Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi has alleged that American intelligence is sponsoring banditry and Boko Haram terrorism in Nigeria, sparking fresh controversy over insecurity in the country.
Gumi made the claim while reacting to comments by former Texas mayor Mike Arnold regarding alleged religious violence in Nigeria. According to the cleric, insecurity in northern Nigeria affects both Muslims and Christians, accusing foreign interests of fueling terrorism and instability in the region.
In his remarks, Gumi criticised narratives describing the crisis as a “Christian genocide,” insisting that banditry and Boko Haram attacks have devastated several northern states including Zamfara and Katsina. He alleged that external intelligence networks were behind the violence but did not provide evidence to support the claim.
The controversial cleric has repeatedly opposed foreign military involvement in Nigeria’s counterterrorism operations and has previously advocated dialogue and negotiation with armed groups as part of efforts to end insecurity.
His comments come amid growing security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States on counterterrorism and regional security operations across West Africa.
As of the time of reporting, there has been no official response from the United States Embassy in Nigeria regarding the allegation.
Daily Times
