INSTEAD OF U.S, SEEK HELP FROM PAKISTAN, TURKEY, OTHER — SHEIKH GUMI TELLS FG
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By: Sefiu Ajape
Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has argued that Nigeria should have sought military assistance from countries such as Pakistan, Turkey and China, instead of relying on the United States, following reports of US-backed airstrikes on terrorist targets in the country.
Gumi made the remarks while reacting to the reported involvement of the United States in Nigeria’s counterterrorism operations, calling on the Federal Government to suspend all forms of military cooperation with Washington.
In a Facebook post on Friday, the cleric acknowledged that the elimination of terrorists is religiously permissible in Islam but insisted that such actions should only be carried out by actors he considers morally credible.
He maintained that Nigeria erred by allowing the United States to participate in its security operations, alleging that foreign military interventions are often driven by hidden agendas that can result in civilian casualties.
Gumi further argued that no country should permit its territory to become a theatre of war or allow neighbouring states to be turned into enemies, warning that foreign military involvement could undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty.
According to him, if external military support is considered necessary, Nigeria should turn to countries he described as neutral, including China, Turkey and Pakistan.
The cleric cautioned that US involvement could attract anti-American forces into Nigeria, worsen insecurity and deepen religious divisions, especially if military actions are framed as protecting one religious group over another.
“As a principle, no nation should allow its land to be a theater of war. And no nation should allow its neighbors to be their enemies.
“If Nigeria wants military assistance, China, Turkey, and Pakistan can do the job effectively.
“The US involvement in Nigeria will attract the real anti-US forces, making our land the theater of war. The USA’s involvement in Nigeria, citing coming to ‘protect Christians’, will ultimately polarize our nation and infringe on our sovereignty,” he said.
Gumi also contended that aerial bombardments alone cannot resolve Nigeria’s security challenges, insisting that terrorism can only be effectively addressed through sustained ground operations.
He added that Nigeria has sufficient manpower to confront the threat if there is genuine commitment to doing so.
The cleric further urged communities affected by military operations to document and share evidence of any civilian casualties, while questioning the focus of the reported airstrikes on areas such as Sokoto, which he claimed faces no immediate terrorist threat, compared to regions like Maiduguri.
He also alleged that terrorism in Nigeria is being created and sustained by the same actors who claim to be fighting it, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and discerning.
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