Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmed Gumi, has sparked fresh debate after describing Nigerians who support recent United States airstrikes on militant camps as “stupid.”
He said such support shows a poor understanding of national security and Nigeria’s sovereignty.
The cleric faulted the Federal Government for approving foreign military action on Nigerian soil.
He insisted that Abuja should immediately ask the United States to withdraw its forces from the country.
The comments followed reported U.S. airstrikes on suspected Islamic State-linked militant locations in Sokoto State.
The strikes were said to be carried out with Nigeria’s consent and based on shared intelligence.
Authorities explained that the operation was aimed at weakening terrorist networks operating in the North-West.
Reacting strongly, Gumi argued that allowing foreign troops to operate in Nigeria was a grave mistake.
He warned that such involvement could expose the country to bigger security threats.
Speaking in a video, the cleric criticised citizens who welcomed the strikes.
He said many Nigerians were celebrating out of frustration over prolonged insecurity.
According to him, desperation should not push the country into surrendering control of its security.
He said, “The Nigeria government should call the attention of the ambassadors concerned to immediately withdraw the US military intervention on Nigeria insurgency fight.”
Gumi said praising foreign military action amounts to betraying the nation’s long-term interests.
He argued that powerful countries often pursue their own agenda under the guise of fighting terrorism.
He added, “This is nothing but a betrayal of our Nigerians. Some people will be saying that since we cannot end the insecurity and we have United States government intervention, why don’t we gladly accept the help?”
He went further to mock those who shared such views.
“There are stupid people whose thinking faculty is very small; they are the ones who will think so,” he said.
The cleric also launched a personal attack on the U.S. leadership.
He accused the United States of violence across the world and questioned its moral authority.
“This person (US President Donald Trump) must be stopped and chased out. This is a person that has his hands stained with the blood of children and adults,” Gumi said.
Using a metaphor, he questioned Nigeria’s reliance on Washington for security.
“How can you call for assistance from a thief when they enter your house?” he asked.
In a separate Facebook post titled ‘The Symbolism of the US Strike’, Gumi said Nigeria had committed a strategic blunder.
He argued that foreign powers fighting terrorism often worsen civilian suffering.
According to him, “terrorists don’t fight terrorists in truth; they may only kill innocent people and have ulterior motives behind the drama of fighting ‘terror.’”
He warned that no country should allow its land to become a battleground for global power struggles.
He added that foreign troops usually come with hidden political and economic interests.
Gumi suggested alternative partners for Nigeria’s security needs.
He said countries like China, Turkey, and Pakistan could offer support without turning Nigeria into a war zone.
He claimed U.S. involvement would only draw hostile forces into the country.
He also cautioned that American intervention framed as protection for Christians could worsen religious tensions.
According to him, such actions could weaken unity and erode Nigeria’s sovereignty.