Dr. Ahmad Gumi

By Anwar Usman

Nigerian cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has dissociated himself from alleged statements and materials circulating online linking him with support for banditry in Nigeria.

This was disclosed in a press statement issued in Kaduna on Saturday, where the cleric described the reports as fake, manipulated and doctored by individuals and groups pursuing ethnic and sectional interests.

He stated that some of his media interviews, public lectures and comments on insecurity had been deliberately misrepresented by certain internet content creators seeking sensational headlines and online traffic.

The statement in part reads, “I hereby state unequivocally that any video clip, written statement, or message attributed to me, whether directly or by innuendo suggesting support for, justification of, protection of, or advocacy for banditry in Nigeria or anywhere else, does not emanate from me,” he said.

The Islamic cleric reaffirmed his loyalty to Nigeria, describing the country as a nation with unmatched potential.

Gumi urged the public, media organisations and government authorities to disregard any misleading materials being circulated in his name.

Gumi further warned that individuals or groups perpetuating the spread of falsehoods against him from the date of the statement would face legal action.

The cleric expressed hope that Nigeria would overcome its security challenges and that victims of violence across the country would find comfort in the collective resolve of Nigerians and the international community to end insecurity.

He attributed the persistence of insecurity to factors such as ignorance, poverty and widespread social injustice, while calling for lasting solutions to the crisis.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Prominent Islamic cleric and peace advocate, Dr. Ahmad Gumi, has strongly warned against any move to invite foreign military interventio, particularly from the United States, to address Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges.

In a strongly worded statement released on Monday, Gumi argued that involving the U.S. military would turn Nigeria into a “new arena” for international terror networks, which he said would inevitably escalate violence. He also accused some Nigerians of having a “slave mentality” for allegedly supporting the idea of surrendering national sovereignty to foreign powers.

The Failure of the ‘Kinetic Approach’

Reflecting on the 17-year insurgency involving Boko Haram, which began after the extrajudicial killing of the group’s founder, Mohammed Yusuf, in 2009, Gumi criticized the military’s heavy reliance on force.

He attributed the “gross failure” of this kinetic approach to a lack of moral discipline among security personnel, noting that civilian casualties have significantly undermined the war effort.

“Until innocent people are safe from our excesses in the application of the kinetic approach… the war is going to erode our sovereignty, which it has already,” Gumi stated.

He added that the military is fully capable of addressing the situation internally, provided that the rules of engagement are “free from prejudices and deception, both in the application of force and finances.”

Allegations Against Foreign Actors

To support his opposition to Western involvement, the cleric referenced historical and recent controversies involving U.S. officials.

Gumi questioned the silence of former American envoy Russell Hanks regarding his alleged involvement in the 1995 bombing of a bookshop at the Durbar Hotel in Kaduna.

He also cited allegations made in February 2025 by U.S. Congressman Scott Perry, who claimed that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) had inadvertently funded terrorist groups, including Boko Haram, ISIS, and Al-Qaeda.

Denial of Military Restraint

Gumi dismissed claims that the Nigerian military has been restricted from attacking bandits or Boko Haram insurgents due to peace talks or amnesty arrangements.

He described such claims as “false and malicious,” insisting that the military has never stopped operations against unrepentant terrorists. According to him, the only blanket amnesty in Nigeria’s recent history was granted to Niger Delta militants under the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

“Our sovereignty is a red line!” Gumi declared, urging Nigerians to resist what he described as foreign subjugation. He also offered prayers for the continued stability of the country and the strength of its armed forces.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Prominent Nigerian Islamic scholar and critical thinker, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has raised strong objections to the potential presence of U.S. military forces in Nigeria, calling it a dangerous move that could threaten the nation’s independence.

In a recent statement, Sheikh Gumi cautioned that powerful foreign forces often play a role in creating or fueling conflicts, only to later intervene under the guise of providing assistance. This pattern, he argued, can eventually lead to a loss of national sovereignty and control.

Gumi emphasized that Nigeria must prioritize protecting its sovereignty. He expressed confidence that, if properly equipped and supported, the Nigerian military is capable of addressing the country’s security challenges without foreign military intervention.

The warning comes amid ongoing debates over international security cooperation in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency and banditry. While some advocate for foreign support, Gumi’s remarks highlight a growing concern among certain circles about the long-term implications of external military presence on Nigeria’s self-determination.