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 airstrikes.
Gumi warned that American involvement in Nigeria’s security operations could worsen the country’s security challenges and undermine national sovereignty.
The cleric made the call in a statement shared on his Facebook page on Friday.
He stated that while Islam permits the fight against terrorism, such actions should only be carried out by what he described as “clean hands,” arguing that the United States lacks the moral authority to lead counterterrorism efforts due to its global military record.
According to Gumi, Nigeria erred by allowing foreign powers to participate in its counterterrorism operations, insisting that “terrorists do not truly fight terrorists” and that such interventions often result in civilian casualties and concealed political interests.
He further warned that turning Nigeria into a theatre of war would attract anti US forces into the country, thereby deepening instability.
The cleric also cautioned that American involvement, particularly under the guise of protecting Christians, could polarise Nigeria along religious lines.
Gumi argued that airstrikes alone cannot defeat terrorism, stressing that effective counterterrorism requires robust ground operations. He maintained that Nigeria has sufficient manpower to address its security challenges if properly organised and coordinated.
“This is the mistake Nigeria has made. Terrorists don’t fight terrorists in truth; they may only kill innocent people and have ulterior motives behind the drama of fighting ‘terror’.
“As a principle, no nation should allow its land to be a theater of war. And no nation should allow its neighbors to be their enemies.
“If Nigeria wants military assistance, China, Turkey, and Pakistan can do the job effectively,” part of his statement read.
