Islamic scholar, Dr. Ahmad Abubakar Mahmud Gumi, has called on the Federal Government to immediately suspend all military cooperation with the United States following reported airstrikes against ISIS terrorist elements on Nigerian soil.
In a statement reacting to the development, Gumi expressed strong opposition to foreign military involvement in Nigeria’s security operations, warning that such actions could further complicate the country’s fragile security situation.
He argued that allowing external forces to carry out strikes within Nigeria undermines national sovereignty and could expose the country to wider geopolitical consequences. According to him, counterterrorism efforts should be driven and controlled solely by Nigerian authorities who understand the local terrain and social dynamics.
Gumi also cautioned that foreign intervention, especially by global powers like the United States, often comes with long-term strategic interests that may not always align with Nigeria’s national priorities.
“The Federal Government should halt any form of military cooperation with the United States immediately,” he said, stressing that Nigeria must not become a battleground for international power struggles under the guise of fighting terrorism.
While acknowledging the need to confront extremist groups such as ISIS, the cleric maintained that sustainable peace can only be achieved through a combination of security action, dialogue, and addressing the root causes of insurgency, including poverty, injustice, and marginalization.
He urged the government to invest more in strengthening local intelligence, community engagement, and the capacity of Nigeria’s armed forces, rather than relying on foreign air power.
The call comes amid reports that Nigerian intelligence played a key role in recent U.S. airstrikes targeting ISIS-linked terrorists, a claim earlier disclosed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, who described the operation as part of a joint effort to combat terrorism and protect innocent Nigerians.
Gumi’s position adds to the growing debate over the role of foreign partners in Nigeria’s security architecture, as the government balances the urgency of defeating terrorism with concerns over sovereignty and public perception.
