Defence HQ Says It Will Not Respond to Gumi’s Criticism of Sokoto Airstrikes
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed calls to engage publicly with controversial Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi over his condemnation of recent airstrikes carried out in Sokoto State, reaffirming that the military will focus on operations rather than media disputes.
The reaction came after Gumi openly criticised the foreign-backed military strikes, which were conducted in Sokoto in late December as part of counterterrorism efforts against Islamic State-linked militants. Gumi had described the operation as harmful to Nigeria’s sovereignty and framed it as a potential threat to peace and cohesion. He also urged the government to reconsider its cooperation with foreign forces.
Military Focus, Not Public Debate
In response to Gumi’s remarks, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, stated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will not publicly reply to every critic or social media commentary, including calls for Gumi’s arrest or condemnation of the strikes. Onoja stressed that it is not the role of the military to engage in public disputes arising from policy critiques but to concentrate on ongoing security operations.
“The Armed Forces will continue to perform its duties and focus on kinetic and non-kinetic operations as required. Public statements against actions taken to secure the nation are better handled by the relevant agencies,” the military spokesperson said during a press briefing in Abuja.
Gumi’s Outcry Over Airstrike Involvement
Sheikh Gumi had argued that the airstrikes, which involved foreign military support, could undermine national sovereignty, deepen religious division and create more insecurity if left unchallenged. He suggested Nigeria should seek security assistance from “neutral” countries instead of Western powers.
His comments sparked debate on social media, with some Nigerians calling for his arrest over what they described as “inflammatory statements,” while others criticised the military’s approach to social discourse.
The airstrikes in Sokoto State were widely reported to target camps linked to ISIS-affiliated militants in northwest Nigeria and were part of enhanced counterterrorism cooperation between Nigerian security forces and foreign partners. Both sides say the strikes aimed to disrupt extremist planning and protect civilians.
Government officials have maintained that operations were limited to militant targets and carried out with respect for international law and Nigeria’s sovereignty.