U.S. Airstrikes: Sheikh Gumi Urges Tinubu Government to End Military Cooperation With America

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 recent U.S. airstrikes targeting terrorist groups in parts of north-west Nigeria.

The cleric’s reaction comes after former United States President Donald Trump announced that American forces had carried out what he described as a “powerful and deadly” airstrike against terrorist elements operating in the region. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

In a statement shared on his official Facebook page on Friday, Sheikh Gumi cautioned that increased involvement of the United States in Nigeria’s internal security operations could further destabilize the country and threaten its sovereignty.

According to him, while Islam permits the fight against terrorism, such actions must be undertaken by parties with what he described as “clean hands.” He argued that the United States lacks the moral authority to lead counterterrorism campaigns, citing its history of military interventions across different parts of the world.

Sheikh Gumi faulted the Nigerian government for allowing foreign powers to directly participate in counterterrorism operations within the country, warning that such arrangements could have long-term consequences for national unity and security.

He maintained that Nigeria possesses the capacity to confront its security challenges independently if its institutions are properly strengthened and resourced.

The cleric’s remarks have sparked debate across social media and political circles, coming amid growing public discourse over Nigeria’s security partnerships and the reported involvement of foreign forces in counterterrorism efforts.

As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency and the Ministry of Defence have yet to issue an official response to Sheikh Gumi’s call.