Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has criticized the recent United States airstrikes on terrorist camps in north-western Nigeria, warning that the military action could deepen national divisions and undermine the country’s sovereignty.
The cleric’s comments followed an announcement by US President Donald Trump that American forces had carried out numerous deadly strikes targeting Islamic State fighters in the region.
Nigerian authorities later confirmed that the operation was conducted in collaboration with the Federal Government through intelligence sharing and strategic coordination.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the joint operation complied with international law and respected Nigeria’s sovereignty, stressing that all counter-terrorism efforts priorities the protection of civilians, national unity and the dignity of citizens regardless of religion or ethnicity.
Reacting in a Facebook post on Friday, Sheikh Gumi acknowledged that eliminating terrorists is an obligation in Islam, citing the Prophet Muhammad’s stance against violent extremist groups.
However, he argued that such efforts should be carried out by Nigeria alone rather than by foreign powers whose military history, he claimed, includes the killing of innocent civilians.
Gumi urged the Federal Government to immediately suspend military cooperation with the United States and instead seek assistance from what he described as neutral countries such as China, Turkey and Pakistan.
According to him, allowing US military involvement could attract hostile forces and turn Nigeria into a battleground.
He further warned that framing the strikes as an effort to protect Christians could polarize the country along religious lines and turn the issue into a political talking point ahead of the 2027 elections.
The cleric also questioned the effectiveness of airstrikes in combating terrorism, insisting that lasting solutions require strong ground operations. He maintained that Nigeria has enough military personnel to address security threats without foreign intervention.
Describing the reported airstrikes on Sokoto a predominantly Muslim area as symbolic, Gumi claimed the action resembled a neo-Crusade narrative against Islam.
He argued that areas facing more immediate terrorist threats, such as parts of the North-East, were overlooked.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to international partnerships in tackling terrorism, stating that cooperation with global allies remains vital to addressing security challenges confronting the country.
