Gumi urges FG to end military cooperation with US over airstrikes

Ahmad Gumi, a Kaduna based Islamic cleric, has called on the Federal Government to immediately suspend all military cooperation with the United States following reports of US airstrikes linked to counterterrorism operations in Northwest Nigeria.

Gumi warned that American involvement in Nigeria’s security affairs could worsen the country’s security challenges and undermine its sovereignty.

The cleric made the call in a statement posted on his official Facebook page on Friday. While acknowledging that Islam permits the fight against terrorism, Gumi argued that such efforts must be carried out by what he described as “clean hands.”

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He questioned the moral authority of the United States to lead counterterrorism efforts, citing its global military record, and insisted that Nigeria erred by allowing foreign powers to play a role in its internal security operations.

According to him, “terrorists do not truly fight terrorists,” adding that foreign military interventions often result in civilian casualties and are driven by hidden political motives rather than genuine concern for peace.

Gumi further warned that turning Nigeria into a theatre of war could attract anti-US forces into the country, thereby deepening instability and insecurity.

He also cautioned that US involvement, particularly under the pretext of protecting Christians, could polarise the country along religious lines and threaten national unity.

The cleric argued that airstrikes alone are insufficient to defeat terrorism, stressing that effective counterterrorism requires strong and coordinated ground operations. He maintained that Nigeria has enough military personnel to handle its security challenges if properly organised and equipped.

“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’,” Gumi said.

“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,” he added.

He suggested that if Nigeria requires military assistance, countries such as China, Turkey and Pakistan could provide support more effectively.