Renowned Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has sharply criticised Nigerians who have applauded the recent United States airstrikes on suspected extremist hideouts in Sokoto State, describing such support as ignorant and dangerous.
The air operation, which authorities say was carried out with Nigeria’s consent, reportedly targeted camps linked to Islamic State affiliates, following intelligence cooperation between Abuja and Washington.
Reacting to the development, Gumi condemned the Federal Government for permitting foreign military action on Nigerian soil, urging authorities to immediately demand the withdrawal of U.S. forces involved in counter-terrorism operations.
According to the cleric, relying on foreign powers to handle Nigeria’s security challenges undermines the country’s sovereignty and exposes civilians to greater risks.
He also took aim at citizens who welcomed the strikes, arguing that such reactions fail to consider the long-term consequences of foreign military intervention.
In a strongly worded video message, Gumi said accepting help from the United States was comparable to trusting a known offender, accusing former U.S. President Donald Trump of being responsible for civilian deaths in past conflicts.
Gumi further expanded on his position in a Facebook post titled “The Symbolism of the U.S. Strike,” where he argued that foreign powers fighting terrorism often pursue hidden agendas, while innocent people bear the brunt of the violence.
He warned that allowing Nigeria to become a battleground for global power struggles could attract hostile forces and worsen insecurity, rather than resolve it.
While acknowledging the need to confront terrorism, the cleric suggested that if Nigeria must seek external military assistance, it should turn to countries he described as more neutral, such as China, Turkey, or Pakistan.
He also cautioned that framing the intervention as a mission to protect Christians could inflame religious tensions and further divide the country.