Prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has urged the Nigerian government to immediately suspend military cooperation with the United States, expressing concerns that American intervention could escalate the nation’s security crisis and compromise its sovereignty.
In a statement shared on his Facebook page Friday, Sheikh Gumi acknowledged that Islamic principles permit action against terrorism but emphasized such operations must be conducted by parties with moral credibility—a quality he believes the US lacks given its controversial military history worldwide.
The cleric criticized Nigeria’s decision to involve foreign powers in counterterrorism efforts, asserting that external actors often pursue hidden agendas rather than genuine security objectives. He warned that such partnerships frequently lead to civilian casualties while failing to address the root causes of insecurity.
According to Sheikh Gumi, transforming Nigeria into a conflict zone could attract anti-American forces to the country, creating further instability. He also cautioned that framing US involvement as protection for Christians risks deepening religious divisions within Nigeria’s diverse population.
The religious leader argued that aerial bombardments alone cannot eliminate terrorism, stressing that successful counterterrorism depends on robust ground operations—capabilities Nigeria already possesses if resources are properly mobilized and coordinated.
“Allowing external powers to conduct operations on our soil opens doors to unintended consequences,” Sheikh Gumi stated. “Nigeria must preserve its sovereignty and avoid becoming entangled in conflicts that serve foreign interests rather than our national security.”
He suggested that if Nigeria requires military assistance, it should consider partnerships with countries like China, Turkey, or Pakistan, which he believes could provide more effective support without compromising the nation’s independence.
The cleric’s statement adds to ongoing debates about Nigeria’s security strategy and the role of international partnerships in addressing persistent challenges from terrorist groups operating across the country’s northern regions.
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