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Prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi today condemned Nigerians who back the recent U.S. airstrikes in Sokoto State. He called them "stupid" and warned that such support invites more violence. Gumi also stated that former U.S. President Donald Trump's hands remain "bloodstained" from past wars.
Gumi shared his views in a video message. He urged the Nigerian government to stop all military cooperation with the United States. "These airstrikes will only worsen insecurity," Gumi said. He argued that dialogue with armed groups offers a better path to peace than foreign interventions.
The U.S. military carried out the strikes on Christmas Day. They targeted ISIS-linked terrorists in Sokoto's Illela area. Officials claimed the attacks killed several militants from the Lakurawa group. This group has ties to jihadists and has caused deaths in northern Nigeria.
Gumi criticized the strikes as a violation of Nigeria's sovereignty. He pointed to Trump's history in conflicts like Iraq and Afghanistan. "Trump's actions have caused endless bloodshed," Gumi added. He believes negotiations can resolve banditry and terrorism without outside help.
Many Nigerians reacted strongly online. Some called for Gumi's arrest, seeing his words as support for terrorists. Others praised the U.S. for acting where local forces struggled.
This statement comes amid rising debates on security. Gumi has long advocated for talks with bandits. He claims force alone fails to end violence.