Controversial Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi has criticised the United States over reports suggesting it may launch a military intervention against terrorists in Nigeria, claiming that it would worsen insecurity in the country.
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV, Gumi accused the U.S. of historical deception and destructive intervention in other nations.
“Americans are known to be liars,” Gumi said. “They said Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction, and there were none. They have caused confusion in Iraq, in Libya, and everywhere. So when they say they want to help Nigeria by bombing terrorists, I don’t believe them.”
He also questioned the U.S. narrative on alleged Christian persecution in Nigeria.
“So when they say Christians are being killed, or there is a massacre of Christians in Nigeria, from which side? They didn’t specify whether it is the government or whether it is the Muslims that are doing it. Or even if Christians are targeted, whatever it is. If Americans can cure and eliminate the terrorists, I will welcome it myself.”
Gumi suggested that if the same offer came from other global powers, Nigerians might view it differently.
“If it’s China coming to say that, people will believe it. Because China is not poking its nose into our internal affairs. If it’s Russians, people will believe them.”
Warning that U.S. airstrikes would lead to mass casualties, he argued, “They have fought 20 years in Afghanistan, they could not finish them. This terrorism you see is not something you just come and drop bombs on and think you’ve finished them. They have infiltrated the society.”
He further stated, “More Muslims and more Christians will be killed if America drops a bomb in Nigeria. I’m telling you this, and you can take it as a record. So what we are trying to avoid, we are going to compound it.”
Gumi defended his controversial outreach to bandits and insurgents, insisting that negotiation—not military force—is the only sustainable solution.
“You don’t treat a disease without diagnosis.” Now, by talking with them and understanding their psychology, we can contain the problem.
“Kaduna is relatively safe now because we understand their psychology and the governor is cooperating. We are talking to them, and they are keeping their weapons,” he said.
He claimed progress is gradual but working, “Slowly, we will civilize them, take away their weapons, and make them good citizens. But using force against force will only make things worse.”
The cleric concluded with a stark warning, “I’m telling you, bombing will not solve this problem. It will make it dirty.”
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