Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has urged the Federal Government to immediately suspend all forms of military cooperation with the United States following reports of US airstrikes.
Gumi cautioned that American involvement could further complicate Nigeria’s security situation and undermine the nation’s sovereignty.
The cleric made this appeal in a statement shared on his Facebook page on Friday.
He explained that although Islam permits the fight against terrorism, such actions should only be undertaken by what he referred to as “clean hands,” arguing that the United States does not possess the moral credibility to lead such operations because of its global military history.
According to Gumi, Nigeria erred by allowing foreign powers to participate in its counterterrorism efforts, insisting that “terrorists do not truly fight terrorists” and that such interventions often lead to civilian casualties and concealed political objectives.
Gumi further warned that turning Nigeria into a theatre of war would invite anti-US forces into the country, thereby increasing instability.
He also raised concerns that US involvement, particularly where it is presented as protection for Christians, could deepen religious divisions within the country.
The cleric added that airstrikes alone cannot successfully defeat terrorism, emphasising that effective counterterrorism requires well-structured ground operations, and stating that Nigeria has sufficient personnel to carry these out if they are properly 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 theatre of war. And no nation should allow its neighbours to be their enemies.
“If Nigeria wants military assistance, China, Turkey, and Pakistan can do the job effectively,” part of his statement read.
It’s a terrible error to allow a Muslim Terrorist like Gumis to walk free, talk so recklessly and undermine the peace, unity and secular unity of our dear country Nigeria, to the extent he has gone. Nigeria must not and cannot become a SULTANATE ISLAMIC NATION as desired by these Fulanis and their weaponized terrorist groups. Just my thoughts o.