Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi has cautioned against U.S. military intervention in Nigeria, calling the United States a “nation of liars” and warning that airstrikes would worsen insecurity in the country.
Speaking on Arise TV, Gumi criticised America’s track record in foreign conflicts, citing the wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya as examples of failed interventions. “America are known to be liars,” he said. “They said Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction, and there were none. They have caused confusion in Iraq, in Libya, and everywhere. So when they say they want to help Nigeria by bombing terrorists, I don’t believe them.”
Gumi questioned reports of massacres targeting Christians in Nigeria, pointing out that the sources of such attacks remain unclear. “From which side? They didn’t specify whether it is the government, Muslims, or even Christians being targeted. If Americans can eliminate the terrorists, I would welcome it myself,” he said.
He added that countries like China or Russia might be more credible if they offered assistance, arguing that they do not interfere in other nations’ internal affairs. “If it’s China or Russia, people would believe them,” he said.
The cleric warned that a U.S.-led military strike could result in massive civilian casualties and escalate the crisis. “They fought 20 years in Afghanistan and could not finish them. These terrorists are embedded in society. Bombing will only cause more deaths — both Muslims and Christians,” Gumi said.
He also highlighted the challenges facing the Nigerian military, noting that even after years of fighting, the army has struggled to defeat Boko Haram and armed bandits. “If the Nigerian army, with all its experience, cannot resolve Boko Haram or the bandit problem, foreign intervention would only complicate things further,” he said.
Gumi, who has previously engaged directly with armed groups in northern Nigeria, defended his approach of dialogue and negotiation. He said understanding the militants’ grievances and reasoning with them is more effective than using force. “You cannot treat a disease without a diagnosis. By talking to them and understanding their mindset, we can contain the problem. Kaduna is relatively safe now because of this approach,” he explained.
While many armed groups still hold weapons, Gumi said they are no longer actively fighting. He described the process as “gradual but effective,” aiming to reintegrate them as law-abiding citizens. “Slowly, we will civilize them, take away their weapons, and make them good citizens. Force will only make things worse,” he said.
The cleric reiterated that any attempt by the United States to conduct airstrikes in northern Nigeria would intensify violence and result in unnecessary civilian deaths. “Bombing will not solve this problem. It will make it worse,” he concluded.
