Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has urged the Federal Government to immediately suspend all military cooperation with the United States following reports of U.S. airstrikes in Nigeria.
Gumi warned that American involvement could further aggravate the country’s security challenges and erode Nigeria’s national sovereignty.
The cleric made the call in a statement shared on his Facebook page on Friday.
He stated that while Islam permits the fight against terrorism, such efforts must be carried out by what he described as “clean hands,” arguing that the United States lacks the moral authority to lead counterterrorism operations due to its global military history.
According to Gumi, Nigeria erred by allowing foreign powers to participate in its counterterrorism efforts, insisting that “terrorists do not truly fight terrorists” and that such interventions often result in civilian casualties and concealed political interests.
He cautioned that turning Nigeria into a theatre of war would attract anti-U.S. forces into the country, further destabilising the nation.
Gumi also warned that U.S. involvement, especially under the guise of protecting Christians, could deepen religious divisions within the country.
The cleric further argued that airstrikes alone are insufficient to defeat terrorism, stressing that effective counterterrorism requires strong ground operations, which he said Nigeria has the manpower to execute if properly coordinated.
“This is the mistake Nigeria has made. Terrorists do not truly fight terrorists; they often end up killing innocent people while pursuing ulterior motives under the pretext of fighting terror.
“As a principle, no nation should allow its land to become a theatre of war, and no country should permit its neighbours to become its enemies.
“If Nigeria seeks military assistance, China, Turkey and Pakistan can effectively provide such support,” he said.
Politics Nigeria earlier reported that the United States has carried out multiple air strikes on Islamic State (ISIS) militants in north-west Nigeria. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday, saying the operation targeted fighters accused of killing mainly Christians in the region.