Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi
ABUJA, Nigeria – Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi criticises recent United States airstrikes on terrorist camps in north-western Nigeria, warning that the intervention risks polarising the country and undermining national sovereignty.
The comments follow US President Donald Trump’s announcement that American forces carry out “numerous deadly strikes” targeting Islamic State militants allegedly attacking Christians.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms that the strikes result from intelligence sharing and strategic coordination with the US, stressing adherence to international law and civilian protection.
In a Facebook post on Friday, Gumi argues that while eliminating terrorists is an Islamic obligation, such actions should be undertaken by Nigeria—not foreign powers. “Terrorists must be destroyed,” he writes, “but by clean, holy hands.”
He urges the Federal Government to suspend military cooperation with the US and instead seek support from what he describes as “neutral countries” including China, Turkey, and Pakistan.
Gumi also warns that foreign airstrikes could draw anti-US militant groups into Nigeria, turning the country into a broader theatre of war. “The involvement of the US, under the pretext of protecting Christians, will ultimately polarise our nation,” he says.
The cleric describes the Sokoto strikes as symbolic and accuses Washington of pursuing a neo-Crusade agenda, particularly given the region’s predominantly Muslim population.
He insists that bombing alone cannot defeat terrorism, calling instead for sustained ground operations using Nigeria’s own security personnel.
Government officials have not responded directly to Gumi’s claims but reiterate that counter-terrorism cooperation prioritises national unity and civilian safety.
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