Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, a prominent Islamic cleric, has called on the Nigerian government to immediately halt all military cooperation with the United States following the recent US airstrikes in northwest Nigeria. Gumi warned that the US involvement could destabilize the country, deepen religious divisions, and undermine Nigeria's sovereignty ¹ ² ³.
In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Gumi argued that the airstrikes, carried out in collaboration with the Nigerian government, are symbolic of a neo-Crusade war against Islam. He questioned the focus on Sokoto, a predominantly Muslim area with no imminent terrorist threat, while regions like Maiduguri face more significant security challenges ¹.
Gumi suggested that Nigeria seek military assistance from neutral countries like China, Turkey, and Pakistan instead of relying on the US. He emphasized that terrorism can only be effectively tackled through sustained ground operations, which Nigeria has sufficient manpower to carry out if properly organized ¹ ² ³.
The US airstrikes, announced by President Donald Trump, targeted ISIS militants in northwest Nigeria, with the Nigerian government confirming cooperation with the US on counterterrorism efforts ⁴ ⁵.
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