(DDM) – Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has called on the Federal Government to immediately suspend all forms of military cooperation with the United States following reports of American airstrikes targeting terrorists in north-west Nigeria.
Sheikh Gumi warned that continued involvement of the United States in Nigeria’s internal security operations could further complicate the country’s fragile security situation.
He argued that foreign military intervention often comes with long-term consequences that may undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and national independence.
The cleric made the call while reacting to reports confirming that the Nigerian government acknowledged structured security and intelligence collaboration with the United States.
According to him, allowing foreign forces to conduct airstrikes on Nigerian soil sets a dangerous precedent.
Sheikh Gumi stated that Nigeria must retain full control over its security architecture without reliance on external military powers.
He expressed concern that American military actions could provoke retaliation from armed groups and escalate violence against civilians.
The cleric warned that foreign airstrikes may radicalise local fighters and worsen insecurity rather than resolve it.
He maintained that Nigeria’s security challenges are deeply rooted in social, economic, and political issues that cannot be solved through foreign military firepower.
Sheikh Gumi argued that dialogue, local intelligence, and addressing grievances of affected communities remain more sustainable solutions.
He cautioned that history has shown that foreign military interventions in African countries often leave behind instability.
The cleric referenced examples from Libya, Afghanistan, and parts of the Middle East where foreign involvement deepened conflicts.
He stressed that Nigeria must learn from global experiences and avoid repeating similar mistakes.
The north-west region of Nigeria has suffered years of violence linked to banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping.
Thousands of lives have been lost, while many communities have been displaced due to persistent attacks.
The Federal Government recently confirmed that US airstrikes were carried out as part of intelligence-led cooperation against terrorist groups.
Authorities described the collaboration as structured and conducted within agreed security frameworks.
However, Sheikh Gumi questioned the transparency of such arrangements and called for public accountability.
He insisted that Nigerians deserve full disclosure on the terms, scope, and implications of any foreign military involvement.
The cleric also warned that foreign intervention could weaken public confidence in Nigeria’s armed forces.
He said reliance on external forces may send a message that local security agencies are incapable of handling internal threats.
Sheikh Gumi urged the Federal Government to focus on strengthening Nigeria’s military capacity through training, equipment, and welfare.
He emphasized the importance of intelligence gathering rooted in local knowledge and community engagement.
The cleric reiterated his long-standing position that military action alone cannot end insecurity in Nigeria.
He called for renewed efforts toward negotiation, reconciliation, and rehabilitation of repentant fighters.
Sheikh Gumi also appealed to political leaders to address poverty, unemployment, and marginalisation fueling violence.
He warned that ignoring these root causes would continue to produce cycles of conflict regardless of military partnerships.
The debate over US involvement has sparked mixed reactions across the country.
Some analysts argue that international cooperation is necessary to combat transnational terrorism.
Others, however, share concerns about sovereignty and potential civilian casualties.
The Federal Government has maintained that all security collaborations are guided by national interest and international law.
Despite this assurance, Sheikh Gumi insisted that Nigeria must chart its own path to peace.
He urged authorities to halt further foreign airstrikes and reassess existing military agreements.
The cleric concluded by calling on Nigerians to remain vigilant and demand accountability in all security-related decisions.
He warned that decisions taken today could shape Nigeria’s security and sovereignty for generations to come.