Islamic scholar warns foreign military involvement could deepen division and undermine sovereignty

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has criticised the recent United States airstrikes on terrorist camps in north western Nigeria, describing the action as a neo Crusade war against Islam and calling on the Federal Government to suspend military cooperation with the US.

Gumi made his position known in a post on his Facebook page while reacting to the Christmas Day strikes carried out in parts of Sokoto State. He said that although fighting terrorism is an obligation in Islam, such actions should be carried out by what he described as clean and holy hands, rather than foreign powers with a record of civilian casualties.

According to him, no country should allow its territory to become a theatre of war or permit foreign interests to dictate its security direction. He warned that US military involvement could attract hostile anti US forces into Nigeria and worsen insecurity.

The cleric argued that if Nigeria requires external military support, it should seek assistance from countries he described as more neutral, including China, Turkey and Pakistan. He insisted that these countries could provide support without inflaming religious or geopolitical tensions.

Gumi also questioned why the airstrikes were carried out in Sokoto, a predominantly Muslim area, and expressed concern that the US justification of protecting Christians could further polarise the country and threaten national unity.

He stressed that air bombardment alone cannot defeat terrorism, noting that Nigeria has enough security personnel to conduct effective ground operations if properly coordinated and resourced.

The scholar urged communities affected by the strikes to document and share evidence of any casualties, saying the issue would likely feature prominently in national discussions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The US airstrikes reportedly targeted Islamic State militants operating in north western Nigeria, with President Donald Trump stating that the group was responsible for attacks on Christians. However, Nigeria’s government and some security analysts have maintained that the insurgency affects both Muslims and Christians, warning that foreign military involvement could further divide the country.

Source: Business Day