Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has criticised the recent United States airstrikes on suspected terrorist camps in north-western Nigeria, warning that the operation could deepen national divisions and undermine the country’s sovereignty.
Gumi’s reaction follows an announcement by US President Donald Trump that American forces carried out what he described as “numerous deadly strikes” against Islamic State terrorists in Nigeria.
The Federal Government later confirmed that the operation was conducted jointly, with Nigeria providing intelligence support.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that the collaboration involved intelligence sharing and strategic coordination, stressing that the strikes complied with international law and respected Nigeria’s sovereignty while prioritising civilian protection and national unity.
In a Facebook post on Friday, Gumi acknowledged that eliminating terrorists is consistent with Islamic teachings but argued that such actions should be carried out internally rather than by foreign powers.
He said terrorist groups should be confronted by what he described as “clean hands,” adding that the involvement of foreign countries with a history of civilian casualties could worsen the situation.
Gumi called on the Federal Government to suspend military cooperation with the United States and instead explore partnerships with what he described as neutral countries such as China, Turkey and Pakistan.
According to him, foreign military intervention could turn Nigeria into a theatre of global conflict and attract anti-US forces into the country.
“No nation should allow its territory to become a battlefield, and no nation should allow its neighbours to become its enemies,” he said.
“If Nigeria requires assistance, countries like China, Turkey and Pakistan can provide it without the baggage of imperial ambitions.”
The cleric also argued that aerial bombardments alone cannot resolve Nigeria’s security challenges, insisting that effective counter-terrorism requires sustained ground operations, which Nigeria already has the manpower to conduct.
He further urged communities affected by the airstrikes to document and share evidence of any civilian casualties.
Gumi also criticised the decision to carry out the strikes in Sokoto State, a predominantly Muslim area, describing it as symbolic and potentially provocative.
He questioned the focus on the region, arguing that areas such as Maiduguri face more immediate security threats.
According to him, framing the operation as a move to protect Christians risks inflaming religious tensions and politicising insecurity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Investigations and reactions to the airstrikes continue amid growing public debate over foreign military involvement in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.
