SUNTV Global Channel | December 31, 2025
Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmed Gumi, has strongly criticised the use of aerial bombardment against terrorist groups in Nigeria, arguing that military force alone cannot end terrorism because it is fundamentally driven by ideology.
Speaking during an interview aired on TrustTV, Sheikh Gumi said repeated airstrikes, including recent operations targeting insurgents, would fail to address the root causes of terrorism in the country.
“Bombardment will not end terrorism because terrorism is an ideology. Even if you want to use force, you cannot ask terrorists to fight terrorism,” Gumi said.
The cleric further alleged that powerful foreign nations, particularly the United States, sponsor non-state armed groups across the world, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State (ISIS). According to him, the type and sophistication of weapons used by terrorist groups point to external backing.
“It is all over the news. The United States has been indicted for sponsoring groups like Boko Haram and ISIS. If you look at the arms used by these terrorists, you will realise they are being supported by a country that constantly interferes in the affairs of other nations,” he claimed.
Sheikh Gumi also accused Nigeria’s security sector of deep-rooted corruption, alleging that funds allocated for modern military equipment are often diverted or misused.
“In Nigeria, money is budgeted for new weapons, but second-hand ones are bought instead. Our local weapon production should have advanced by now. We ought to be producing our own arms,” he said.
Drawing comparisons with history, Gumi urged Nigeria to learn from South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle, which he described as an example of how ideological conflicts require political and social solutions, not just military might.
His comments come amid controversy surrounding a recent U.S.-led airstrike on terrorist camps in Sokoto State, reportedly carried out with the approval of the Nigerian government. Authorities said the operation was a precision strike based on intelligence sharing between Abuja and Washington, aimed at weakening Islamic State-linked insurgent networks.
However, Sheikh Gumi condemned Nigerians who praised the airstrike, describing their reactions as misguided and dangerous to national sovereignty.
“This is nothing but a betrayal of Nigerians. Some people say since we cannot end insecurity, we should gladly accept U.S. intervention. That kind of thinking is very shallow,” he said in a video message.
He went further to call on the Nigerian government to demand the immediate withdrawal of U.S. military forces involved in counter-terrorism operations within the country.
“The Nigerian government should call the attention of the ambassadors concerned and insist on the withdrawal of U.S. military intervention in Nigeria’s insurgency fight,” he stated.
In a scathing remark, Gumi also attacked former U.S. President Donald Trump, accusing him of global violence and hypocrisy.
“This person must be stopped and chased out. His hands are stained with the blood of children and adults. How can you call for help from a thief when they enter your house?” he asked.
Sheikh Gumi’s remarks have once again sparked intense debate across Nigeria, with opinions sharply divided over the role of foreign military assistance and the best strategy to defeat terrorism in the country.
— SUNTV Global Channel
