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 against terrorist targets in Nigeria. The cleric warned that continued American involvement could worsen Nigeria’s security problems and threaten the country’s sovereignty.
Gumi made the call in a statement posted on his official Facebook page on Friday. His comments come amid growing national debate over recent confirmation by the Federal Government that US forces carried out precision airstrikes against terrorist positions in the North West as part of security cooperation between both countries.
According to Gumi, Nigeria made a serious mistake by allowing foreign powers, especially the United States, to play a direct role in its counterterrorism operations. He argued that such involvement often leads to more problems than solutions.
“Islam permits the fight against terrorism,” Gumi said, “but such a fight must be carried out by clean hands.”
The cleric questioned the moral authority of the United States to lead or support counterterrorism efforts in Nigeria. He pointed to America’s history of military actions in different parts of the world, which he said had caused civilian deaths and long-term instability.
According to him, countries that claim to be fighting terrorism often have hidden political interests. He warned that Nigeria should not become a stage for global power struggles.
“Terrorists do not truly fight terrorists,” Gumi said. “They may only kill innocent people and have ulterior motives behind the drama of fighting terror.”
Gumi’s statement reflects a wider concern among some Nigerians who fear that foreign military involvement could bring unintended consequences, including loss of control over national security decisions.
One of Gumi’s strongest warnings was that allowing US military action on Nigerian soil could turn the country into a theatre of war. He said this could attract hostile groups from outside Nigeria who are opposed to the United States.
“As a principle, no nation should allow its land to be a theater of war,” he said. “And no nation should allow its neighbours to be their enemies.”
He argued that Nigeria’s security challenges are already complex and should not be made worse by external involvement.
Gumi also warned that US involvement in Nigeria’s security affairs, especially under the claim of protecting Christians, could deepen religious divisions in the country.
Nigeria is a multi-religious and multi-ethnic nation, with a long history of tension between different groups. While terrorist attacks have affected both Christians and Muslims, framing the conflict mainly as a religious issue has often been criticised by religious and community leaders.
The cleric warned that portraying the fight against terrorism as a mission to protect one religious group could polarise Nigerians and fuel mistrust.
He stressed that insecurity in Nigeria affects all communities and should be addressed in a way that promotes unity rather than division.
Nigeria has worked with the United States for many years to tackle terrorism and violent extremism. This cooperation has included intelligence sharing, military training, and supply of equipment to Nigerian security forces.
Recently, the Federal Government confirmed that US forces carried out precision airstrikes against terrorist targets in the North West. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the strikes were part of structured security cooperation and were aimed at protecting civilians and national unity.
The government also said the cooperation followed international law and respected Nigeria’s sovereignty.
However, the confirmation has sparked debate across the country. While some Nigerians believe foreign support is necessary to defeat terrorism, others argue that Nigeria should rely on its own military strength.
Gumi argued that airstrikes alone cannot defeat terrorism. He said effective counterterrorism requires strong ground operations, good intelligence, and community engagement.
According to him, Nigeria already has enough military and security personnel to handle its challenges if they are properly organised and equipped.
“Airstrikes alone cannot defeat terrorism,” he said. “What is needed is strong ground operations.”
He urged the government to focus on improving coordination, discipline, and welfare within the Nigerian security forces rather than relying on foreign military power.
While rejecting US involvement, Gumi said Nigeria could seek military assistance from other countries if necessary. He mentioned China, Turkey, and Pakistan as nations that could offer support without creating the same risks he associates with American involvement.
“If Nigeria wants military assistance, China, Turkey, and Pakistan can do the job effectively,” he said.
Nigeria already has defence relationships with some of these countries, including arms purchases and training programmes.
Gumi’s comments have drawn mixed reactions from Nigerians. Some agree with his view that foreign military involvement threatens sovereignty and could worsen insecurity. Others argue that Nigeria needs all available help to deal with armed groups that have killed thousands and displaced many more.
Religious leaders have also called for calm, urging Nigerians not to allow the issue to deepen religious or ethnic divisions.
As insecurity continues to affect the North West and other parts of the country, the debate over foreign military cooperation is likely to continue. The Federal Government has said it will keep the public informed through official channels.