Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has called on the Federal Government to immediately suspend all military cooperation between Nigeria and the United States following claims of alleged airstrikes linked to U.S. forces. He described the situation as a serious national concern that requires swift and decisive action to protect Nigeria’s sovereignty and security interests.
In his remarks, Sheikh Gumi argued that any suggestion of foreign military action on Nigerian soil, whether confirmed or alleged, raises fundamental questions about national independence and the integrity of existing security arrangements. He stressed that Nigeria must not allow any situation where its territorial authority appears compromised or unclear to its citizens and the international community.
The cleric urged the Tinubu administration to halt military collaboration with the United States until there is full transparency and clarification regarding the nature, scope, and limits of any security cooperation. According to him, continuing such partnerships amid unresolved claims could send the wrong message and weaken public confidence in the government’s control over national defense matters.
Sheikh Gumi further emphasized that Nigeria’s armed forces possess the capacity to handle internal security challenges without direct foreign combat involvement. He maintained that international partnerships should focus on training, intelligence sharing, and technical support rather than operational actions that could infringe on sovereignty.
He also warned that reports or statements suggesting foreign airstrikes could heighten fear, fuel misinformation, and worsen existing security tensions across the country. According to him, silence or delayed clarification from authorities could allow speculation to thrive and undermine national unity.
Calling for accountability, Sheikh Gumi advised the government to openly brief Nigerians on the terms of any military cooperation agreements and clearly define what is permissible under such arrangements. He said transparency is essential to maintaining trust and preventing misunderstandings that could have serious diplomatic and security consequences.
The call has sparked renewed debate among political observers, security analysts, and citizens, with many urging the government to address the issue promptly. While some have echoed Sheikh Gumi’s concerns about sovereignty, others have called for calm and careful diplomatic engagement to avoid unnecessary strain on international relations.
As discussions continue, Sheikh Gumi reiterated that protecting Nigeria’s independence and ensuring that all security operations remain under Nigerian authority should remain paramount. He maintained that any partnership that creates doubt about these principles must be reassessed in the interest of national stability and public confidence.