Islamic scholar, Dr. Ahmad Abubakar Mahmud Gumi, has called on the Federal Government to immediately suspend all military cooperation with the United States following reports of U.S. airstrikes targeting Islamic State (ISIS) elements in Nigeria.
Dr. Gumi made the call in a statement posted on his Facebook page, where he criticised the involvement of foreign forces in military operations on Nigerian soil, warning that such actions could undermine the country’s sovereignty and unity.
While acknowledging that combating terrorism is a duty in Islam, the cleric argued that it should be carried out solely by Nigerians, not foreign powers.
He accused the United States of having a history of military actions that resulted in civilian casualties.
According to him, allowing foreign military intervention was a serious error, insisting that terrorism cannot be genuinely defeated by external forces pursuing their own interests.
He warned that Nigeria risked becoming a theatre of war if foreign involvement continued, adding that such actions could attract anti-American groups into the country.
Dr. Gumi also cautioned that framing foreign military action around religious protection could further divide the nation and threaten its sovereignty.
He suggested that if Nigeria required external support, it should seek assistance from countries he described as neutral, such as China, Turkey and Pakistan, which he said could offer help without political or ideological complications.
The Islamic scholar further questioned the reported bombing in Sokoto State, describing it as symbolic and politically motivated.
He queried why the area was targeted, while regions such as Maiduguri, long affected by insurgency, remain major hotspots.
Dr. Gumi also maintained that airstrikes alone cannot resolve Nigeria’s security challenges, stressing that only sustained and well-coordinated ground operations can effectively tackle terrorism.
He urged communities affected by the reported strikes to document and publicise any casualties, warning that the issue could become a major political subject as the country moves towards the 2027 general elections.
Dr. Gumi concluded by calling on Nigerians to remain alert, describing the situation as one that requires vigilance and careful reflection.