Sheikh Gumi Urges FG to Seek Security Support from Pakistan, Turkey, Others, Not US
Abuja — Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, has advised the Federal Government to reconsider its security partnership with the United States, urging Nigeria to instead seek military assistance from countries such as Pakistan, Turkey and China in tackling terrorism and other security challenges.
Sheikh Gumi made this known while reacting to reports of recent United States-backed airstrikes against terrorist targets in parts of northern Nigeria, a development that has generated mixed reactions nationwide.
According to the cleric, allowing the United States to take a direct military role in Nigeria’s security operations could expose the country to greater risks and undermine its sovereignty. He warned that foreign military involvement, particularly from Western powers, could turn Nigeria into a battleground for global interests.
“No serious nation should allow itself to become a theatre of war for foreign powers,” Gumi said, stressing that such actions could attract hostile groups and worsen the already fragile security situation in the country.
He argued that if Nigeria must seek external assistance, it should approach countries he described as “neutral and experienced” in counter-terrorism operations, naming Pakistan, Turkey and China as preferable partners. According to him, these countries have handled internal security threats without imposing political or religious conditions on their allies.
Sheikh Gumi also criticised the reliance on airstrikes as a strategy to combat insurgency, noting that bombing alone cannot end terrorism. He maintained that Nigeria has sufficient manpower and resources to address its security challenges if properly organised, trained and motivated.
The cleric further cautioned that foreign military involvement could deepen religious and ethnic divisions in the country, especially if such interventions are perceived as favouring one group over another.
His comments have sparked renewed debate over Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy and the role of international partners in addressing insecurity, particularly as the country continues to battle insurgency, banditry and kidnapping across several regions.
While the Federal Government has defended its collaboration with international allies as necessary to protect civilians and degrade terrorist networks, critics like Sheikh Gumi insist that long-term security can only be achieved through home-grown solutions and carefully chosen partnerships.
As discussions continue, security cooperation and national sovereignty are expected to remain central issues in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against insecurity.
Sources:
Nigerian Tribune, The Punch, PM News, BusinessDay, The Sun