U.S intervention will worsen the situation – Sheikh Gumi

Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi has again criticised the United States over reports suggesting it may intervene militarily against terrorists in Nigeria, describing the US as a “nation of liars” and warning that any bombing campaign would worsen the country’s insecurity

In an interview with Arise TV, Gumi argued that the U.S. has a long history of deceit and destructive interference in other nations, citing the wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya.

“America are known to be liars,” he said. “They claimed Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction, and there were none. They have caused chaos in Iraq, Libya, and everywhere. So when they say they want to help Nigeria by bombing terrorists, I don’t believe them.”

Gumi questioned claims of massacres against Christians in Nigeria, noting the lack of clarity on perpetrators. “From which side? They didn’t specify whether it’s the government, or Muslims, or even if Christians are truly being targeted. If Americans can eliminate the terrorists, I’ll welcome it myself,” he said.

He suggested that if nations like China or Russia offered assistance, Nigerians might be more inclined to trust them, arguing that these countries do not interfere in other nations’ internal affairs. “If it’s China, people will believe it. If it’s Russia, people will believe them,” he said.

The cleric warned that a U.S.-led military strike would likely cause massive civilian casualties and deepen the crisis. “Let me tell you, they fought 20 years in Afghanistan and couldn’t finish them. The same thing applies here. These terrorists are embedded in society. Bombing will only cause more deaths — both Muslims and Christians. That’s a fact,” Gumi said.

Highlighting the limitations of the Nigerian military, he noted that even after years of combat, the army has struggled to defeat Boko Haram and armed bandits. “If the Nigerian army, with all its experience, cannot resolve this issue after 15 years with Boko Haram and now the bandits, foreign intervention will only complicate things further,” he said.

Gumi, who has personally engaged with armed groups in northern Nigeria, defended his peace missions as the only viable path to lasting security. He explained that his approach focuses on understanding the grievances of militants and persuading them to abandon violence.

“You cannot treat a disease without diagnosis. By talking to them, hearing their grievances, and understanding their psychology, we can contain the problem. Kaduna is relatively safe now because we understand their mindset and the governor is cooperating,” he said.

While acknowledging that many armed groups still hold weapons, Gumi stressed that they are no longer actively fighting. He described the process as “gradual but effective,” aiming to reintegrate them as law-abiding citizens. “Slowly, we will civilize them, take away their weapons, and make them good citizens. But using force against force will only make things worse,” he added.

The cleric concluded with a stern warning against foreign airstrikes, insisting that bombing would escalate violence and result in needless deaths. “I’m telling you, bombing will not solve this problem. It will make it dirty,” he said.

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