Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has faulted the recent United States airstrikes on suspected terrorist locations in north-west Nigeria, cautioning that foreign military intervention will not bring an end to terrorism in the country.

In a statement posted on his Facebook page on Friday, Gumi warned that permitting U.S. military operations on Nigerian soil could expose the country to wider conflict by drawing the attention of anti-American forces and turning Nigeria into a battleground.

While acknowledging the need to confront terrorism, the cleric maintained that the responsibility should rest solely with Nigeria, without external military involvement. 

He therefore called on the Federal Government to discontinue all forms of military cooperation with the United States.

Gumi further alleged that foreign nations often operate with concealed motives under the pretext of combating terrorism, arguing that such interventions could deepen divisions within the country and erode Nigeria’s sovereignty.

According to him, airstrikes alone are insufficient to defeat terrorist groups, stressing that sustained and effective ground operations by Nigerian security forces remain the most viable solution to the nation’s security challenges.

He also suggested that if external support becomes unavoidable, Nigeria should consider assistance from countries he described as neutral, rather than relying on the United States. Gumi warned that continued U.S. involvement could heighten religious tensions and worsen insecurity, noting that Nigeria possesses adequate manpower to tackle terrorism if resources are properly managed and deployed.

The cleric urged Nigerians to remain alert and critically assess foreign military interventions, describing the airstrikes as largely symbolic and potentially harmful to national stability.

In his remarks, Gumi insisted that Nigeria should immediately end military cooperation with the U.S., accusing the country of pursuing global imperial interests. He argued that isolated bombing operations cannot resolve terrorism and called for stronger ground-based military efforts. 

He also urged communities affected by the strikes to document and report any casualties.

Gumi further claimed that the attacks could be interpreted as part of a broader agenda that may inflame religious sentiments, adding that the choice of targets and timing of the strikes raised serious concerns about the true motives behind the operation.