Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has called on the Federal Government to immediately suspend all military cooperation with the United States following reports of US involvement in recent airstrikes on terrorist targets in Nigeria.
Gumi warned that American participation in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations could worsen the country’s security challenges and undermine its sovereignty. He made the call in a statement posted on his official Facebook page on Friday, amid growing debate over reported joint military actions between Nigeria and the United States in the North West.
While acknowledging that Islam permits the fight against terrorism, the cleric argued that such actions must be carried out by what he described as “clean hands”. He questioned the moral authority of the United States to lead or participate in counter-terrorism efforts, citing its global military history.
According to Gumi, Nigeria erred by allowing foreign powers to play an active role in its security operations. He insisted that external military interventions often come with hidden political agendas and frequently result in civilian casualties rather than lasting solutions to insecurity.
“Terrorists don’t fight terrorists in truth; they may only kill innocent people and have ulterior motives behind the drama of fighting ‘terror’,” he said.
The cleric further warned that turning Nigeria into a theatre of war could attract anti-US forces into the country, thereby escalating violence and further destabilising already fragile regions. He argued that foreign military presence could expose Nigeria to conflicts beyond its borders, with long-term consequences for national stability.
Gumi also cautioned that US involvement in Nigeria’s security affairs, particularly under narratives centred on the protection of Christians, could deepen religious divisions in the country. He said such framing risks polarising communities along religious lines and undermining Nigeria’s delicate social balance.
He stressed that airstrikes alone are insufficient to defeat terrorism, noting that sustainable counter-terrorism efforts require effective ground operations and community engagement. According to him, Nigeria has enough military personnel to handle its security challenges if properly organised and equipped.
“As a principle, no nation should allow its land to be a theatre of war. And no nation should allow its neighbours to be their enemies,” Gumi said.
He suggested that if Nigeria must seek military assistance, it should consider countries such as China, Turkey and Pakistan, which he claimed could provide support without the political complications associated with Western intervention.
Gumi’s comments come against the backdrop of confirmations by Nigerian authorities that the country is engaged in structured security and intelligence cooperation with the United States and other international partners. The Federal Government has maintained that such collaboration respects Nigeria’s sovereignty and is aimed at addressing terrorism and violent extremism.
The debate highlights deepening divisions over the role of foreign powers in Nigeria’s fight against insecurity, as concerns persist over civilian safety, national unity and long-term peace.
