Controversial Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has criticised the United States government over its recent airstrikes in Nigeria, urging Washington to prioritise education and basic amenities for herding communities rather than deploying what he described as expensive military weapons.
Gumi argued that ignorance and lack of access to education remain major challenges facing many herders, insisting that military action alone cannot resolve insecurity.
Reaction to Viral Missile Footage
The cleric made the remarks while reacting to a viral video showing a Fulani man who reportedly discovered a barrel believed to be from a missile fired by the U.S. military in an open field.
According to Gumi, the man’s actions in the video reflected a lack of understanding of the danger posed by unexploded military ordnance, warning that such situations could easily result in loss of lives.
Reacting via a post on Facebook, Gumi wrote:
“Most herdsmen need deliverance from ignorance and themselves, not bombardment.”
“Education Is Better Than Bombs”
Gumi further stated that the individual in the video lacked basic religious and safety awareness.
“He doesn’t even understand the basic creed of Islam and the serious danger of unexploded bombs,” the cleric said.
He maintained that his long-standing approach to addressing insecurity has been education rather than violence, noting that he has personally invested in building schools for herding communities.
“Instead of dropping a $2 million bomb that can build schools and amenities for them,” he added.
Background: U.S. Airstrikes in Sokoto
On Christmas Day, the United States military, acting on the directive of President Donald Trump, carried out airstrikes in parts of Sokoto State, Nigeria.
The strikes were aimed at suspected ISIS-linked and Lakurawa terror groups. Reports suggested the operation did not achieve its intended targets, although details remain contested.
The Nigerian government later confirmed the incident, describing it as a coordinated operation. Authorities added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the mission following security assessments.
Ongoing Debate
Gumi’s comments have reignited debate over the effectiveness of foreign military intervention versus long-term social investment in addressing insecurity in Nigeria’s northern regions.
As of the time of filing this report, U.S. authorities have not responded to the cleric’s remarks.
