Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, has called on Nigeria to immediately suspend all forms of military cooperation with the United States following recent US airstrikes on ISIS-linked terrorists in the country.
Gumi warned that foreign military involvement, particularly by the United States, could worsen insecurity and turn Nigeria into a battleground for global conflicts. In a message shared on his social media platform, he argued that American military actions often come with hidden agendas and long-term consequences.
He urged the Federal Government to seek security partnerships with what he described as more neutral countries, including China, Turkey, and Pakistan, rather than relying on the United States.
While acknowledging the legitimacy of fighting terrorism, the cleric stressed that counterterrorism efforts should be handled internally and not outsourced to foreign powers. According to him, allowing external forces to operate militarily within Nigeria could attract hostile anti-US groups and further destabilise the country.
Gumi maintained that eliminating terrorists is a moral and religious duty but insisted such actions must be carried out responsibly and without harming innocent civilians. He criticised what he described as the United States’ track record in global conflicts, claiming that foreign interventions often result in civilian casualties and deepen divisions.
He further warned that framing military actions around religious protection could fuel sectarian tensions and undermine national unity. According to him, any narrative suggesting the protection of one religious group over another could polarise Nigeria and threaten its sovereignty.
The cleric also questioned the effectiveness of airstrikes alone in addressing terrorism, arguing that lasting solutions require well-coordinated ground operations led by Nigerian forces. He called on communities affected by military operations to document and report any civilian casualties.
Gumi’s comments followed an announcement by US President Donald Trump, who disclosed that American forces carried out a “powerful and deadly” strike against ISIS fighters in North-West Nigeria. Trump said the operation targeted militants accused of killing civilians, particularly Christians.
The Nigerian Government later confirmed that the operation was carried out in collaboration with Nigerian authorities.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Nigeria remains engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States, to combat terrorism and violent extremism, noting that the collaboration had resulted in precision airstrikes on terrorist targets.
