End Military Cooperation with US Over Trump’s Airstrikes, Sheikh Gumi Charges Tinubu
Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has urged the Federal Government to immediately suspend all military cooperation with the United States, following airstrikes carried out by the U.S. in northwest Nigeria.
The strikes, which targeted Islamic State militants in Sokoto State on December 25, 2025, were announced by U.S. President, Donald Trump. According to U.S. and Nigerian officials, the operation was coordinated with the Nigerian government and aimed at militants accused of violence, particularly against Christian communities. Reacting to the airstrikes, Sheikh Gumi described the action as a threat to Nigeria’s sovereignty and security. He warned that foreign military involvement could turn the country into a broader theatre of war and risk polarising the nation along religious lines. Gumi criticized the intervention, alleging hidden political motives, and called for Nigeria to rely on its own security forces instead. He further suggested alternative international partners, including China, Turkey, and Pakistan, as more suitable allies for military cooperation. The use of airstrikes alone will not solve the problem of terrorism in Nigeria,” Gumi said, emphasizing the need for coordinated ground operations to effectively tackle insurgency. The cleric’s statement has sparked debate among Nigerians, with some backing his nationalist stance, while others argue that continued cooperation with the U.S. is essential for counter-terrorism. Former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore also accused the government of misleading Nigerians about U.S. involvement prior to the airstrikes. The U.S. airstrikes represent a significant escalation in U.S.-Nigeria security cooperation, including recent surveillance flights and intelligence sharing. The action reflects Washington’s focus on counter-terrorism and religious freedom concerns in Africa. As the controversy unfolds, Gumi’s call could influence Nigeria’s security and foreign policy decisions, particularly in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.
