‘Dropping Bombs Here and There Cannot Tackle Terrorism’ – Gumi Warns

Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has warned that dropping bombs here and there cannot address the menace of terrorism in Nigeria, arguing that foreign military involvement, particularly by the United States, poses serious risks to national unity and sovereignty.

In a statement on Friday reacting to reports of US-linked strikes on terrorist targets in north-western Nigeria, Gumi said that while the elimination of terrorists is an Islamic obligation, such actions must be carried out by “clean and holy hands,” not by foreign powers he accused of having a history of violence against civilians in other parts of the world.

Citing a prophetic tradition recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, Gumi noted that Islam permits the annihilation of terrorists. However, he insisted that terrorists do not genuinely fight other terrorists, but often end up killing innocent people while pursuing ulterior motives under the guise of counterterrorism.

Gumi criticised Nigeria’s alleged cooperation with the United States, warning that no country should allow its territory to become a theatre of war or neighbouring states into enemies. According to him, US involvement would attract global anti-US forces to Nigeria and heighten insecurity rather than resolve it.

He further cautioned that framing US intervention as an effort to “protect Christians” polarises the country along religious lines and undermines Nigeria’s sovereignty. He argued that such narratives could deepen divisions in an already fragile national landscape.

The cleric urged the Nigerian government to immediately halt all military cooperation with the United States, accusing Washington of imperial tendencies. He suggested that if Nigeria requires external assistance, neutral countries such as China, Turkey, or Pakistan would be better partners.

Gumi also described the reported strikes as largely symbolic, stressing that terrorism cannot be defeated without a strong and sustained military presence on the ground. He said Nigeria has enough manpower to confront the challenge if there is genuine political will.

Raising further concerns, he questioned the timing and location of the reported attack, pointing to Sokoto, where he said the population is predominantly Muslim and not facing imminent terrorist threats. At the same time, areas such as Maiduguri remain major flashpoints.

He described the action as symbolic of a looming “neo-Crusade” against Islam and claimed the terror being fought is “manufactured and sustained” by the same forces claiming to combat it.

Gumi called on communities affected by the strikes to document and share evidence of any civilian casualties, adding that Nigerians are too educated to be deceived.

He warned that the issue could dominate political discourse ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying, “A word is enough for the wise.”