BREAKING NEWS: Gumi Slams US Airstrikes, Warns Nigeria Is Becoming a Theatre of War
Prominent Islamic scholar Ahmad Abubakar Mahmud Gumi has issued a blistering reaction to the reported United States airstrikes on terrorist targets in North-West Nigeria, warning that the country is being dragged into a dangerous geopolitical and religious confrontation.
In a strongly worded post shared on his Facebook page just hours ago, Gumi described the strikes as symbolic and dangerous, arguing that Nigeria risks losing its sovereignty while becoming a battlefield for foreign interests.
‘Terror Must Be Fought — But Not by Dirty Hands’
Gumi acknowledged that annihilating terrorists is a religious obligation in Islam, citing prophetic traditions. However, he warned that such action must be carried out by “clean and holy hands,” not by what he described as another violent power with a long history of civilian casualties.
He argued that terrorists do not truly fight terrorists, but often end up killing innocent people while pursuing ulterior motives under the guise of counter-terrorism.
‘No Nation Should Turn Its Land Into a War Theatre’
The cleric cautioned that no sovereign nation should allow its territory to become a battleground for global powers or permit its neighbours to be turned into enemies through proxy conflicts.
According to Gumi, Nigeria’s decision to allow foreign military action on its soil represents a grave strategic error with long-term consequences.
China, Turkey, Pakistan Named as Alternatives
In a controversial recommendation, Gumi urged Nigeria to immediately halt military cooperation with the United States and instead seek assistance from China, Turkey, and Pakistan, which he described as more neutral and effective partners.
He accused the US of imperial tendencies and warned that its involvement would attract genuine anti-US militant groups into Nigeria.
‘Protecting Christians’ Claim Will Polarise Nigeria
Gumi strongly criticised narratives suggesting the strikes were aimed at protecting Christians, warning that such framing would dangerously polarise the country along religious lines.
He argued that Nigeria’s terror crisis affects all communities and that portraying it as a religious war risks deepening division and instability.
Sokoto Strike Sparks Fresh Controversy
The cleric questioned why strikes reportedly occurred in Sokoto, a predominantly Muslim state, while areas like Maiduguri — long regarded as epicentres of insurgency — remain the primary threat zones.
He described the timing of the attack on Christmas Eve as deeply symbolic and alarming.
‘This Is a 2027 Campaign Issue’
Gumi warned that foreign military involvement would dominate Nigeria’s political discourse heading into the 2027 elections, insisting that Nigerians are too informed to be manipulated by global power plays.
He stressed that bombing alone cannot defeat terrorism and called for serious, sustained ground operations by Nigerian forces, noting that the country has sufficient manpower if properly mobilised.
Call for Evidence and Accountability
He urged affected communities to document and upload images or videos of any civilian casualties, demanding transparency and accountability over the strikes.
In his most provocative remark, Gumi described the attacks as a harbinger of a neo-Crusade against Islam, claiming the terror Nigeria faces is being manufactured and sustained by the same forces claiming to fight it.
His post ended with a stark warning: “A word is enough for the wise.”
