Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has criticised the recent United States airstrikes on suspected terrorist camps in north-western Nigeria, warning that the action could deepen divisions and undermine the country’s sovereignty.
Gumi’s remarks followed an announcement by US President Donald Trump that American forces had carried out “numerous deadly strikes” against Islamic State terrorists in the region. The Federal Government later confirmed ongoing security and intelligence cooperation with the United States, saying the operation involved intelligence sharing and strategic coordination in line with international law and Nigeria’s sovereignty.
In a Facebook post on Friday, Sheikh Gumi acknowledged that eliminating terrorists is an obligation in Islam, citing teachings attributed to the Prophet Muhammad. However, he argued that such actions should be carried out by Nigerians themselves rather than foreign forces, whom he accused of having a history of killing innocent civilians.
The cleric called on the Federal Government to suspend military cooperation with the United States and instead seek support from what he described as neutral countries such as China, Turkey and Pakistan. He also argued that airstrikes alone could not effectively address terrorism, stressing that Nigeria has enough manpower for sustained ground operations.
“As a principle, no nation should allow its land to become a theatre of war,” Gumi said. “If Nigeria needs military assistance, China, Turkey and Pakistan can do the job effectively.”
He warned that US involvement in Nigeria could attract anti-US militant groups and further destabilise the country, adding that framing the intervention as an effort to “protect Christians” could polarise the nation and fuel political tensions ahead of the 2027 elections.
Gumi also criticised the choice of Sokoto State for the strikes, describing the area as largely Muslim and arguing that it does not face the same level of terrorist threat as parts of the North-East.
He described the airstrikes as symbolic of what he called a “neo-Crusade” against Islam and questioned why regions such as Maiduguri, which have suffered repeated attacks, were not the focus.
“The attack on Sokoto, where about 90 per cent of the population is Muslim and where there is no imminent terror threat, especially on Christmas Eve and under the claim of protecting Christians, raises serious questions,” he said.
The cleric also called on residents of affected communities to document and share evidence of any civilian casualties resulting from the airstrikes.
