Human rights activist and lawyer, Mr Deji Adeyanju, has criticized Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi over his reaction to recent United States airstrikes targeting suspected ISIS terrorists in Sokoto State. Adeyanju said Nigeria should focus on stronger collaboration with the United States and other allies to tackle terrorism rather than attacking foreign support efforts.
Adeyanju made his comments on Sunday through a post on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. He was reacting to repeated statements by Sheikh Gumi, who has openly criticized the US military operation carried out in parts of Sokoto State.
According to reports, the airstrikes were ordered on Christmas Day by former US President Donald Trump. The operation was aimed at suspected ISIS-linked terrorists believed to be operating in remote areas of Sokoto State. However, it was later reported that there were no confirmed casualties among the terrorists, raising questions about the outcome of the mission.
Following the reports, Sheikh Gumi reportedly described the airstrikes as ineffective and unnecessary. He also raised concerns about foreign military involvement in Nigeria’s internal security matters. His comments sparked reactions from different quarters, including security analysts, activists, and members of the public.
Reacting to Gumi’s position, Adeyanju accused the cleric of being unnecessarily emotional about the failed operation. He questioned why Gumi appeared disturbed by the report that no terrorists were killed.
“If the Donald Trump air strike against Nigerian ISIS didn’t kill any terrorist, why is Gumi crying?” Adeyanju wrote. “Should he not be happy that all his colleagues are still alive? Why the tears? We need more collaborative efforts between the US and Nigeria against these barbaric terrorists terrorizing our nation.”
Adeyanju’s remarks have further fuelled public debate over Nigeria’s approach to fighting terrorism and whether foreign military assistance should play a greater role.
Nigeria has battled terrorism for over a decade, especially in the North-East, where Boko Haram and its breakaway faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have carried out deadly attacks. In recent years, security challenges have also spread to the North-West, including parts of Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina states, where banditry and terrorist-linked activities have increased.
Thousands of Nigerians have been killed, while millions have been displaced due to insurgency and related violence. Despite several military operations by Nigerian security forces, the problem has persisted, leading to calls for improved strategies, better intelligence, and stronger international cooperation.
The United States has long been a security partner to Nigeria, providing training, intelligence support, and military equipment. US surveillance and air support have also played roles in counter-terrorism efforts across Africa, particularly against ISIS-linked groups operating in the Sahel region.
Supporters of foreign collaboration argue that terrorism is a global threat that requires joint action. They believe Nigeria can benefit from advanced technology, intelligence sharing, and experience from allies like the US. Critics, however, warn against over-reliance on foreign powers and raise concerns about sovereignty and civilian safety.
Sheikh Gumi is a well-known and often controversial cleric who has been vocal on security issues in northern Nigeria. In the past, he has engaged in dialogue with armed bandits, arguing that negotiation and addressing social injustice are key to ending violence. His approach has drawn mixed reactions, with some praising his efforts at peace-building and others accusing him of being too sympathetic to criminals.
Adeyanju, on the other hand, is known for his outspoken views on governance, human rights, and national security. He has consistently called for tougher action against terrorists and has criticised what he sees as weak responses from authorities and opinion leaders.
The reported failure of the Sokoto airstrikes has also raised questions about intelligence accuracy and coordination. Security experts say that air operations depend heavily on reliable ground intelligence, and without it, missions may not achieve desired results.
As debate continues, many Nigerians remain concerned about the worsening security situation across the country. Farmers in affected areas have abandoned their lands, schools have been shut down, and economic activities have slowed due to fear of attacks.