Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi has strongly warned against any potential U.S. military intervention in Nigeria, describing the United States as a “nation of liars” and arguing that airstrikes would worsen the country’s security situation. Speaking in an interview on Arise TV, Gumi criticised America’s history of foreign interventions, citing the wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya as examples of failed efforts that caused more harm than good. “America are known to be liars,” he said. “They claimed Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction, and there were none. They caused chaos in Iraq, Libya, and elsewhere. So when they say they want to help Nigeria by bombing terrorists, I don’t believe them.” The cleric also questioned reports of massacres targeting Christians, noting the ambiguity of who is responsible. “From which side? They didn’t specify whether it’s the government, Muslims, or even if Christians are actually being targeted. If Americans could truly eliminate the terrorists, I would welcome it myself,” he said. Gumi suggested that nations like China or Russia would be seen as more credible allies because they typically do not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries. “If it’s China or Russia offering help, people would trust them,” he added. He warned that U.S.-led airstrikes could cause significant civilian casualties and further destabilise Nigeria. “They fought 20 years in Afghanistan and couldn’t finish them. These terrorists are embedded in society. Bombing would only increase deaths — Muslims and Christians alike,” Gumi said. Highlighting the limitations of the Nigerian military, he noted that even after years of engagement, the army has struggled to defeat Boko Haram and armed bandits. “If the Nigerian army, with all its experience, cannot end Boko Haram or tackle the bandits, foreign intervention will only make matters worse,” he said. Gumi, who has personally engaged with armed groups in northern Nigeria, defended his approach of dialogue and negotiation. He said understanding militants’ grievances and reasoning with them is more effective than force. “You cannot treat a disease without a diagnosis. By talking to them and understanding their mindset, we can contain the problem. Kaduna is relatively safe now because of this approach,” he explained. Although many armed groups still possess weapons, Gumi said they are largely inactive. He described the process as “gradual but effective,” aiming to rehabilitate militants into law-abiding citizens. “Slowly, we will civilize them, take away their weapons, and make them good citizens. Using force will only worsen the situation,” he said. The cleric concluded by reiterating that any U.S. military action in northern Nigeria would escalate tensions and result in unnecessary deaths. “Bombing will not solve this problem. It will only make it worse,” he warned.
