Prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to halt Nigeria’s military cooperation with the United States, following recent U.S. airstrikes on terrorist camps linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Sokoto State.
Speaking in a Hausa-language interview with TRT Afrika, Sheikh Gumi argued that the Christmas Day airstrikes demonstrated what he described as Washington’s longstanding hostility toward Nigeria. He alleged that the United States supported the Biafra secessionist movement during Nigeria’s 1967–1970 civil war and continues to harbor resentment over its failure.
According to the cleric, these historical grievances should prompt Nigeria to reconsider its security partnership with the U.S., particularly in the area of counterterrorism operations. He claimed that foreign military involvement undermines Nigeria’s sovereignty and does not align with the country’s long-term interests.
However, the remarks have generated widespread criticism from analysts and members of the public, who dispute the historical basis of Gumi’s claims. Historical records indicate that the United States maintained an official position of neutrality during the civil war, limiting its involvement largely to humanitarian assistance rather than direct military support for Biafra.
Critics have also accused Sheikh Gumi of making statements that could weaken Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, especially at a time when the country continues to grapple with banditry, insurgency, and jihadist violence across several regions. They argue that international security cooperation remains vital to intelligence sharing and precision operations against extremist groups.
The controversy adds to ongoing national debates over foreign military partnerships, counterterrorism strategies, and the balance between sovereignty and international collaboration in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.