Controversial Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmed Gumi has fiercely condemned the recent United States airstrikes against alleged ISIS-linked militant camps in Sokoto State, calling Nigerians who support the operation “stupid” and misguided.
In videos and social media posts, Gumi blasted the Nigerian government for allowing foreign military intervention, demanding the immediate withdrawal of US forces and arguing that desperation should not lead the country to surrender its sovereignty.
He launched a personal attack on US President Donald Trump, describing his hands as “bloodstained” and likening asking the US for help to inviting a “thief” into your house.
Gumi asserted that foreign powers often have ulterior motives, warning that American involvement would attract anti-US forces, turn Nigeria into a “theatre of war,” and potentially worsen religious divisions under the guise of protecting Christians.
He suggested that if Nigeria needs military assistance, it should turn to countries like China, Turkey, or Pakistan instead.
Gumi’s statements have been met with swift and sharp criticism from various figures.
Human rights activist Deji Adeyanju sarcastically questioned why Gumi was “crying” over the strikes if, as some reports suggested, they failed to kill any terrorists, adding that Nigeria needs more collaboration with the US to fight “barbaric terrorists.” Others have taken a harder line, with one pastor calling for Gumi to be arrested and put on trial for his remarks, suggesting his consistent defense of militants raises questions about his own affiliations.
An engineer who watched Gumi’s video urged President Tinubu to “stop him now,” expressing concern that the cleric’s rhetoric could negatively influence public opinion in the North against the US intervention.
The strong reactions highlight the deep divisions over how to address Nigeria’s security challenges and the role of foreign military partners.
