Sheikh Gumi Warns U.S. Bombing Of Bandits In Nigeria Would Worsen Insecurity, Urges Dialogue Instead, Says Parts Of Kaduna State Have Become Safer Due To Ongoing Dialogue With Armed Groups
Controversial Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi has criticized the United States over reports suggesting it may intervene militarily against terrorists in Nigeria. Gumi described the U.S. as a “nation of liars” and warned that any bombing campaign would only deepen Nigeria’s security crisis.
Speaking in an interview on Arise TV, the cleric accused the U.S. of deceit and destructive interference in other nations’ affairs, citing the failed war on terror in Afghanistan and the destabilization of Iraq and Libya.
“America is known to be deceitful,” Gumi said. “They claimed Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction, 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.”
He added that if such an offer had come from China or Russia, Nigerians might be more inclined to believe in its sincerity, arguing that those nations do not meddle in other countries’ internal affairs.
Gumi warned that a U.S.-led airstrike would likely lead to massive civilian casualties. “They fought for 20 years in Afghanistan and couldn’t win. These terrorists have infiltrated Nigerian society, bombing them will only kill more Muslims and Christians,” he said.
The cleric, who has previously met with armed groups in northern Nigeria, defended his approach of dialogue and negotiation, insisting that peace can only be achieved through understanding and communication.
“I have been engaging them to pacify and redirect them. They are human beings who can listen and reason. Using force against force will only worsen the problem,” he explained.
Gumi noted that despite years of military operations, Nigeria’s armed forces have struggled to eliminate Boko Haram and bandit groups. “If the Nigerian army, with all its experience, has not defeated Boko Haram after 15 years, what makes anyone think foreign powers can do it with bombs?” he asked.
He further claimed that parts of Kaduna State have become safer due to ongoing dialogue with armed groups.
“We now understand their psychology, and the government is cooperating. Many are still armed, but they are not fighting. Slowly, we will civilize them and make them good citizens,” Gumi said.
Reiterating his stance, he concluded that bombing will not solve Nigeria’s security challenges but will instead “make things worse.”
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