By LEVI JOHNSON
Cleric Warns Foreign Intervention Could Deepen Insecurity, Threaten Nigeria’s Unity
Prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has called on the Federal Government to immediately suspend all military cooperation with the United States, following reports of US-backed airstrikes targeting terrorist locations on Nigerian soil.
Gumi, a vocal commentator on national security and religious affairs, warned that continued American involvement in Nigeria’s counterterrorism operations could worsen insecurity, undermine national sovereignty, and further polarise the country along religious lines.
He made his position known in a statement shared via his official Facebook page on Friday, reacting to recent confirmations by the Federal Government that foreign-assisted air operations were carried out as part of intelligence-driven counterterrorism efforts in the North-West.
“Foreign Military Presence Is a Strategic Error”
According to Sheikh Gumi, Nigeria erred by allowing foreign powers to take part in its internal security operations, arguing that such interventions rarely produce lasting peace.
While acknowledging that Islam permits the fight against terrorism, the cleric insisted that counterterrorism efforts must be conducted by what he described as “clean hands”, questioning the moral authority of the United States to lead such campaigns.
He cited America’s long history of military interventions across the globe, claiming they often leave behind civilian casualties, political instability, and unresolved conflicts.
“The United States does not have the moral credibility to fight terrorism,” Gumi argued, adding that countries that present themselves as counterterrorism champions often pursue hidden political or strategic interests.
Concerns Over Sovereignty and Civilian Safety
Sheikh Gumi warned that Nigeria risks losing control of its internal security narrative by permitting foreign military actions within its borders. According to him, allowing Nigeria to become a theatre of war could attract hostile international actors and extremist groups opposed to US interests.
Such a development, he said, would further complicate Nigeria’s already fragile security environment.
“As a principle, no nation should allow its land to be turned into a battlefield,” he stated, stressing that foreign military involvement often escalates conflicts rather than resolving them.
He also raised concerns about civilian casualties, insisting that airstrikes—no matter how precise they are described—frequently harm innocent people and deepen resentment among affected communities.
Warning Against Religious Polarisation
The cleric further cautioned that framing counterterrorism operations around religious narratives could dangerously divide the country.
According to Gumi, suggestions that US involvement is aimed at protecting Christians could fuel religious suspicion and mistrust, worsening relations between Muslim and Christian communities.
“Nigeria is already deeply divided,” he warned. “Any foreign intervention that appears to favour one group over another will only inflame tensions and weaken national cohesion.”
Airstrikes Not Enough to Defeat Terrorism
Sheikh Gumi also questioned the effectiveness of airstrikes as a counterterrorism strategy, arguing that terrorism cannot be defeated from the air alone.
He maintained that successful counterterrorism requires robust ground operations, intelligence-led policing, and community engagement—areas where Nigeria, according to him, already has sufficient manpower if properly organised and equipped.
“Nigeria has enough personnel to deal with its security challenges,” he said, urging authorities to focus on coordination, training, and accountability rather than relying on foreign firepower.
Alternative Military Partners Suggested
While calling for an end to military cooperation with the United States, Gumi suggested that Nigeria could explore security partnerships with other countries if external assistance becomes unavoidable.
He mentioned China, Turkey, and Pakistan as potential partners capable of providing military support without the political and ideological complications he associates with Western powers.
“If Nigeria must seek help, there are nations that can assist effectively without turning us into a battlefield for global interests,” he added.
Debate Grows Over Foreign-Assisted Operations
Sheikh Gumi’s comments come amid growing national debate over Nigeria’s counterterrorism strategy and the recent confirmation of foreign-assisted air operations.
While the Federal Government has defended its actions as lawful, intelligence-driven, and consistent with international practice, critics argue that greater transparency and domestic capacity-building are needed to avoid long-term dependency on foreign forces.
Security analysts say the controversy highlights the tension between urgent security needs and sovereignty concerns, especially as Nigeria continues to battle insurgency, banditry, and violent extremism across multiple regions.
As public discourse intensifies, Sheikh Gumi’s call adds a powerful religious and moral dimension to the conversation, pressing the Tinubu administration to carefully reassess the scope and direction of Nigeria’s military partnerships.
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