Following recent US airstrikes against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria, Islamic cleric Sheikh Abubakar Gumi has called for an immediate end to all military cooperation between the two nations.
Gumi warned that continued US involvement could turn Nigeria into a “theatre of war” by attracting anti-American forces, undermine national sovereignty, and deepen religious divisions under the pretext of protecting Christians.
He argued that while fighting terrorism is an Islamic duty, it should be done by “clean, holy hands” and not outsourced to foreign powers with ulterior motives and a history of civilian casualties.
The cleric suggested Nigeria should instead seek assistance from “neutral” countries like China, Turkey, and Pakistan and focus on ground operations, which he feels are more effective than airstrikes.
Gumi’s comments came after US President Donald Trump announced “powerful and deadly” strikes in North-West Nigeria targeting terrorists he said were “viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians”.
The Nigerian government confirmed the operation was a collaboration, stating it had provided intelligence and approved the strikes.
Gumi, however, questioned the symbolism of an attack on the predominantly Muslim Sokoto region around Christmas, claiming it was a “neo-Crusade” and that the terror threat is manufactured by those claiming to fight it.
