Gumi to Tinubu: End US Military Cooperation Immediately Over Airstrikes

 Gumi to Tinubu: End US Military Cooperation Immediately Over Airstrikes Prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has called on the Nigeri...

 Gumi to Tinubu: End US Military Cooperation Immediately Over Airstrikes

Prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has called on the Nigerian government to immediately suspend all military cooperation with the United States, warning that American intervention in the country's security operations could escalate instability and compromise national sovereignty.

Gumi's statement, posted on his Facebook page on December 26, comes in direct response to U.S. airstrikes conducted on Christmas Day targeting Islamic State (ISIS)-affiliated militants in northwest Nigeria's Sokoto State. The strikes, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, were described as a "powerful and deadly" operation against terrorists accused of targeting Christian communities.

"Nigeria should halt all military cooperation with the USA immediately because of its imperial tendencies worldwide," Gumi wrote. He argued that U.S. involvement, particularly if framed as protection for Christians, risks polarizing Nigeria along religious lines and turning the country into a "theatre of war" that could attract broader anti-U.S. forces.

The cleric emphasized that airstrikes alone are ineffective against terrorism, stating, "Dropping a few bombs here and there cannot tackle the menace of terror; they need serious military on the ground, which, if we are serious, we have enough men to do that." He urged affected communities to document any civilian casualties and suggested Nigeria seek assistance from "neutral" countries like China, Turkey, or Pakistan instead.

Gumi also questioned the U.S.'s moral authority in counterterrorism efforts, asserting that while Islam permits fighting terrorism, it should be done by "clean hands." He accused foreign interventions of often involving hidden motives and civilian harm, claiming Nigeria erred by allowing external powers into its operations.

The airstrikes were carried out by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) in coordination with Nigerian authorities, killing multiple ISIS terrorists with no initial reports of civilian deaths. Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the operation as part of ongoing "structured security cooperation" with international partners, including intelligence sharing and targeted actions against violent extremism.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed gratitude for Nigeria's support, hinting at potential further actions. President Trump, who has highlighted attacks on Christians in Nigeria as an "existential threat," framed the strikes as retaliation for ongoing violence.

Gumi, a Kaduna-based scholar known for advocating dialogue with armed groups and criticizing military approaches to banditry and insurgency, has previously clashed with authorities over security policies. His latest remarks highlight deepening debates over foreign involvement in Nigeria's long-running battle against terrorism in the northwest and beyond.

As of now, the Nigerian government has not issued a direct response to Gumi's call. Security analysts note that while U.S. partnership has provided technical support, concerns over sovereignty remain a sensitive issue in domestic politics.

Family Writers Press International.