A prominent Nigerian Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has called upon the Federal Government to immediately terminate all military cooperation with the United States. This demand follows recent reports of alleged US airstrikes within Nigeria, which Gumi contends could significantly exacerbate the nation’s complex security challenges and undermine its national sovereignty.
Sheikh Gumi voiced his concerns in a statement disseminated via his Facebook page on Friday, directly addressing the implications of foreign military involvement. He warned that allowing external powers, particularly the United States, to play a central role in Nigeria’s counterterrorism operations carries substantial risks, potentially leading to unintended consequences for the West African nation’s stability.
The cleric articulated a fundamental principle, stating that while Islam condones the fight against terrorism, such actions must be executed by what he termed “clean hands.” He argued that the United States, given its extensive global military record and past interventions, lacks the requisite moral authority to spearhead such efforts or to be a trusted partner in Nigeria’s sensitive security landscape.
Gumi asserted that Nigeria committed a significant error by permitting foreign entities to participate in its ongoing counterterrorism campaigns. He strongly maintained that “terrorists do not truly fight terrorists,” suggesting that such interventions often serve ulterior motives beyond genuine counterterrorism, frequently resulting in a tragic toll of civilian casualties and a failure to address the root causes of insurgency.
Furthermore, Sheikh Gumi issued a stark warning against the potential for Nigeria to become a “theatre of war.” He cautioned that continued or escalated US involvement could inadvertently attract anti-US forces into the country, thereby introducing new layers of instability and complicating existing security dilemmas. This, he argued, would further destabilise a nation already grappling with multiple internal conflicts.
A particular concern raised by the cleric was the potential for religious polarization. Gumi suggested that US involvement, especially if framed under the pretext of protecting Christian communities, could dangerously divide the country along religious lines. He stressed that such narratives risk inflaming sectarian tensions within Nigeria’s diverse population, creating new fronts for conflict.
He also challenged the efficacy of airstrikes as a standalone solution to terrorism. Gumi highlighted that aerial bombardments alone are insufficient to achieve lasting victory against insurgent groups. Instead, he advocated for robust and well-organised ground operations, insisting that Nigeria possesses adequate personnel to conduct such comprehensive efforts effectively if properly structured and deployed.
In his statement, Sheikh Gumi also proposed alternative avenues for military assistance should Nigeria deem it necessary. He specifically mentioned China, Turkey, and Pakistan as potential partners, suggesting these nations could provide effective support without the perceived drawbacks and moral ambiguities he attributes to cooperation with the United States. His recommendations underscore a desire for strategic reorientation in Nigeria’s foreign security partnerships.
Gumi’s remarks come at a critical juncture for Nigeria, which continues to battle various security threats, including the long-standing Boko Haram insurgency, the rise of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and widespread banditry in its northern regions. The country has historically sought international support to bolster its military capabilities and strategies in combating these multifaceted challenges.
The cleric’s pronouncements are likely to ignite further debate within Nigeria regarding the nation’s foreign policy, its approach to internal security, and the appropriateness of external military alliances. His vocal opposition to US involvement reflects a broader discussion about national sovereignty, the effectiveness of foreign aid, and the long-term implications of international partnerships on domestic stability.
