Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has called on the Federal Government to immediately stop all military cooperation with the United States, following reports of US airstrikes on Nigerian soil.
Gumi warned that foreign involvement could exacerbate security challenges and undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty.
In a statement posted on his Facebook page on Friday, he argued that while Islam permits fighting terrorism, such operations must be conducted by parties with “clean hands,” suggesting the US lacks the moral authority due to its global military record.
The cleric criticized Nigeria’s decision to allow foreign powers a role in counterterrorism, asserting that “terrorists do not truly fight terrorists” and that such interventions often result in civilian casualties and hidden political motives.
He cautioned that allowing the country to become a theater of war could attract anti-US forces and further destabilize the nation.
Gumi also expressed concern that US involvement, particularly under claims of protecting Christians, might polarize Nigeria along religious lines.
He emphasized that airstrikes alone cannot defeat terrorism and called for strong, well-organized ground operations, which he said Nigeria has sufficient personnel to carry out.
“If Nigeria wants military assistance, China, Turkey, and Pakistan can do the job effectively,” he added.