Prominent Islamic cleric and scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi today issued a strong condemnation of the recent United States airstrikes targeting alleged terrorist camps in northwestern Nigeria, warning that such foreign interventions risk escalating the country's security challenges, causing civilian casualties, and eroding national sovereignty.
In a statement released to the media, Sheikh Gumi called on the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu to immediately halt all military cooperation with the US and explore partnerships with other nations that respect Nigeria's autonomy.
The airstrikes, reportedly conducted with the approval of the Nigerian government and aimed at ISIS affiliated groups in the North-West region, have drawn sharp criticism from Sheikh Gumi, who argues that they represent an overreach by external powers.
"The bombing of terrorists by the US will only kill innocent people and complicate our ongoing efforts on the ground," Sheikh Gumi stated, emphasizing that Nigeria must take full control of its security architecture without interference from Washington.
He further cautioned that continued collaboration could destabilize the nation and turn it into a "war zone," urging a shift toward alternative international partners who prioritize dialogue and local solutions over military force.
Sheikh Gumi's remarks come amid reports of joint Nigeria-US operations that the Defence Headquarters described as intelligence-led strikes designed to degrade terrorist capabilities and logistics hubs. However the cleric highlighted potential risks, including unintended harm to civilians and the exacerbation of existing insecurities in the region.
"Foreign military involvement will only deepen Nigeria’s security crisis and undermine our sovereignty," he added, advocating for a reevaluation of alliances to include countries that support peaceful resolutions and respect for Nigeria's internal affairs.
This criticism follows earlier tensions, including threats from US President Donald Trump regarding military action against Nigeria over alleged issues like the persecution of Christians and terrorist activities, which some sources have disputed for lack of evidence.
Sheikh Gumi's call aligns with broader concerns about the implications of US involvement, echoing sentiments from various stakeholders who view the airstrikes as a sign of overdependence on American support rather than building indigenous capacities.
Sheikh Gumi, known for his advocacy on security matters and efforts to mediate between the government and armed groups, reiterated his commitment to promoting peace through dialogue. He urged Nigerian leaders to prioritize national interests and seek collaborations with partners that align with Africa's developmental goals.