Gumi Demands Halt To US Military Ties Over Nigeria Airstrikes

Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has called on the Federal Government to immediately suspend all military cooperation with the United States following reports of US airstrikes targeting Islamic State (ISIS) militants in parts of northern Nigeria.

Gumi made the demand on Friday, 26 December 2025, in a strongly worded statement shared on his official social media platforms, reacting to confirmation that the United States had carried out air operations against terrorist camps in north-west Nigeria, reportedly in Sokoto State.

According to the cleric, the involvement of foreign forces in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts poses a serious threat to national sovereignty and could further inflame insecurity across the country.

“Nigeria must not allow itself to become a theatre for foreign military adventures,” Gumi warned, arguing that external military actions often come with hidden political agendas and unintended civilian casualties.

He insisted that the United States lacked the moral authority to prosecute counter-terrorism operations in Nigeria, citing its record of military interventions in other parts of the world. Gumi further cautioned that allowing US strikes on Nigerian soil could make the country a target for reprisals by extremist groups hostile to American interests.

“Foreign bombing does not solve our security problems. It only complicates them and exposes innocent citizens to danger,” he said.

The cleric urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to review its security partnerships and, if external assistance is deemed necessary, consider what he described as “more neutral allies” such as China, Turkey or Pakistan.

The controversy follows confirmation by both United States and Nigerian officials that American forces recently conducted targeted airstrikes against ISIS camps as part of ongoing counter-terrorism cooperation. US President Donald Trump, who authorised the operation, described the militants as terrorists responsible for attacks on civilians and vulnerable communities.

Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry and security authorities have maintained that the action was carried out within the framework of existing defence and intelligence cooperation agreements between both countries, aimed at degrading terrorist networks and strengthening regional security.

However, the strikes have sparked intense public debate. Rights activists and opposition figures, including former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, have questioned the transparency of the operation, accusing the Federal Government of failing to fully brief Nigerians on the extent of US involvement.

Despite the backlash, the Federal Government has so far given no indication that it plans to suspend military ties with Washington, reiterating its commitment to international partnerships in the fight against terrorism.

As the debate continues, Gumi’s call adds to growing pressure on the Tinubu administration to clearly define the limits of foreign military engagement on Nigerian soil and reassure citizens that national sovereignty remains protected.