May 18, 2026 | SUNTV Global Channel | Security Report
Prominent Islamic cleric, , has strongly warned against any form of United States military involvement in Nigeria’s ongoing counterterrorism operations, cautioning that such intervention could worsen insecurity and attract international terrorist networks into the country.
In a strongly worded statement released on Monday, the cleric described Nigeria’s sovereignty as a “red line,” insisting that handing over the nation’s security challenges to foreign powers would expose the country to deeper violence and foreign manipulation.
Gumi dismissed claims suggesting the Nigerian military had previously halted operations against terrorists under amnesty arrangements, describing such allegations as false and misleading.
“As a peace advocate, I am stunned by remarks from ignorance that the military was or is prevented from engaging bandits or Boko Haram. This claim is false and malicious,” he said.
The cleric clarified that the only recognised amnesty arrangement in Nigeria’s history was the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme introduced by late President .
According to Gumi, the military has consistently maintained active operations against insurgent groups across the country.
He lamented that nearly 17 years after the extrajudicial killing of Boko Haram founder, , the terrorist group remains a major threat to Nigeria’s security.
Gumi blamed the prolonged insurgency partly on what he described as operational failures and the excessive use of force against innocent civilians, arguing that such actions have weakened public trust and prolonged the crisis.
“The gross failure of the kinetic approach is chiefly attributed to the morality of our fighting force. Until innocent people are safe from operational excesses, this war will continue to erode our sovereignty,” he stated.
The cleric maintained that Nigeria’s armed forces possess the capacity to defeat terrorism if military operations are conducted transparently and professionally.
He, however, warned that foreign intervention — especially by the United States — could transform Nigeria into a new battlefield for global extremist groups.
“The involvement of the USA will only attract international terror groups to this new arena, exposing Nigeria to unnecessary violence in which these same foreign forces may become complicit,” he warned.
Gumi also referenced allegations previously raised by U.S. Congressman , who claimed in 2025 that funds from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) may have inadvertently reached terrorist organisations, including Boko Haram, ISIS, and Al-Qaeda.
He further criticised Nigerians who support foreign military intervention, accusing them of being too willing to surrender national sovereignty to external interests.
“Some Nigerians have developed a slave mentality, always ready to hand over the sovereignty of our nation to foreign interests. We must resist foreign subjugation,” he said.
The statement comes days after Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters confirmed the killing of senior ISIS commander during a joint counterterrorism operation reportedly carried out by Nigerian and United States forces.
Military authorities said the operation was linked to the terrorist commander accused of masterminding the abduction of more than 100 schoolgirls in Dapchi, including , who remains in captivity.
The operation was reportedly acknowledged by U.S. President , who described it as a major victory against global terrorism.
The latest remarks from Sheikh Gumi are expected to further ignite national debate over foreign military cooperation and Nigeria’s long-term strategy for defeating terrorism.
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