Controversial cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has faced criticism for calling the US airstrikes in Sokoto State a “war against Islam”, but the Nigerian Army says there is no reason to arrest him.
The Christmas Day strikes targeted ISIS-linked militants, but Gumi and other Islamic leaders condemned the operations, claiming they amounted to a “neo-Crusade war against Islam”.
He also questioned the motives of the United States, suggesting the airstrikes were designed to protect Christians and infringe on Nigeria’s sovereignty, urging the government to seek support from “neutral” countries such as China, Turkey, or Pakistan.
While many Nigerians have called for the military or security agencies to question Gumi, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, explained the Army’s position during a press briefing in Abuja.
“Every agency has its functions. It is not for the Armed Forces to focus on what some people in society do not agree with in our activities.
“Our role is to concentrate on kinetic operations and, when necessary, non-kinetic operations. There are relevant agencies tasked with addressing statements that may be against or for the country and I believe they are doing so”, Maj. Gen. Onoja said.
The Army emphasized that it is not responsible for responding to every public statement, and that Gumi’s remarks are being handled through the appropriate government channels, leaving the military to focus on operational duties.
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