Controversial Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmed Gumi has strongly criticised the Nigerian government’s collaboration with the United States in military operations against terrorists, insisting that airstrikes cannot end terrorism because it is an ideological problem. Speaking in an interview with TrustTV on Tuesday, Gumi argued that force alone cannot resolve Nigeria’s security challenges and alleged foreign interference in local insurgency.

“Bombardment will not end terrorism because terrorism is an ideology. Even though you want to use force, you will not ask terrorists to fight terrorism,” Gumi stated. He further accused the United States of sponsoring extremist groups such as Boko Haram and ISIS, claiming that these nations provide weapons and support while dictating Nigeria’s approach to combating insurgency.

Highlighting alleged corruption within Nigeria’s security system, Gumi claimed that funds intended for modern weaponry are often mismanaged. “In Nigeria, they budget money for new weapons and buy second-hand ones. Our weapon production systems ought to have improved better, and we should be producing locally,” he said. He urged Nigeria to learn from South Africa’s struggle against apartheid, framing the nation’s approach as a model for homegrown solutions to complex security challenges.

The cleric also criticised public approval of the recent U.S.-led airstrikes on Islamic State-linked militant camps in Sokoto State. He described Nigerians who celebrated the attacks as “stupid,” arguing that foreign military involvement undermines national sovereignty and security. “This is nothing but a betrayal of our Nigerians. Some people think that since we cannot end insecurity alone, we should gladly accept foreign help. This is a serious misunderstanding of the implications for our country,” he said.

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