U.S. airstrikes will worsen insecurity, dialogue is the solution — Sheikh Gumi warns

Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, has cautioned the United States against any form of military intervention in Nigeria, warning that such action would only escalate violence and lead to massive civilian casualties.

Speaking during an interview on Arise TV, Gumi accused the U.S. of hypocrisy and destructive interference in other nations’ affairs, referencing its failed interventions in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya.

“America is known for deception. They said Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction, but there were none. They caused confusion in Iraq and Libya. So, when they say they want to help Nigeria by bombing terrorists, I don’t believe them,” Gumi stated.

He argued that airstrikes would only worsen insecurity, claiming Nigeria could face the same chaos that followed U.S. military campaigns in other countries.

“If America drops bombs in Nigeria, more Muslims and Christians will die. It will worsen the crisis. They fought for 20 years in Afghanistan and failed,” he warned.

Defending his long-standing advocacy for dialogue with bandits and armed groups, Gumi maintained that peaceful engagement remains the only sustainable approach.

“I’ve been meeting with these people to pacify and redirect them. They are human beings who can reason. If you use force, you only make things worse,” he said.

The cleric further claimed that some parts of Kaduna State have experienced relative calm due to continued dialogue with local armed groups.

“Kaduna is now relatively safe. We talk to them, and though they still have weapons, they’re not fighting. Gradually, we will civilize them and make them good citizens,” he added.

Concluding, Gumi reiterated that any U.S.-led military action would be counterproductive.

“Bombing will not solve this problem,” he said. “It will only make it worse.”