Physical Address
Awka Anambra State
Prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has declared that even the United States Army under former President Donald Trump would not have been able to defeat Boko Haram terrorists operating in Nigeria. The outspoken cleric made this assertion while discussing the persistent insecurity and terrorism challenges confronting the country, particularly in the northern region.
Gumi, who has been a consistent voice in national conversations about insecurity and peacebuilding, emphasized that Nigeria’s problem with insurgency is deeply rooted in socio-political and economic failures, rather than military weakness. According to him, military might alone cannot eliminate Boko Haram or banditry unless the government addresses the underlying causes of extremism, such as poverty, illiteracy, and injustice.
The Root of Insecurity in Nigeria
Speaking during a public discussion in Kaduna, Sheikh Gumi explained that the Boko Haram crisis and the rise of banditry were products of decades of government neglect, poor governance, and systemic inequality.
He noted that even the world’s most advanced military powers would struggle to win an asymmetric war against ideologically driven insurgents in regions where citizens feel abandoned by the state.
“Even if you bring President Donald Trump and the entire US Army to Nigeria today, they will not defeat Boko Haram,” Gumi said. “The problem is not about weapons or military strength; it is about hearts, minds, and justice. You cannot bomb ideology out of a people; you must give them hope and fairness.”
Gumi maintained that force alone cannot resolve conflicts rooted in religious manipulation, economic deprivation, and lack of trust between citizens and the government.
Military Solution Not Enough
Sheikh Gumi criticized the Nigerian government’s heavy reliance on military operations, saying that despite years of bombings, troop deployments, and security spending, insurgency and banditry have persisted.
He said, “What we see in the North is not just about armed groups; it is about hopelessness. When people lose faith in the system, they turn to dangerous alternatives. Until the government changes its approach from confrontation to reconciliation, we will continue to see new groups rise.”
Gumi further explained that counter-terrorism efforts must go beyond deploying soldiers to villages and forests. Instead, the government should rebuild trust, create opportunities, and open dialogue with aggrieved communities.
He added that the U.S., despite its sophisticated military intelligence and resources, faced similar challenges in Iraq and Afghanistan, where insurgents survived years of bombings and ground offensives.
Calls for Dialogue and Reconciliation
The cleric, who has in the past advocated dialogue with bandits and insurgents, reiterated that amnesty and engagement remain better options than prolonged warfare. He said many of the armed groups are not ideologically aligned with Boko Haram but are motivated by economic desperation and revenge over government neglect.
“Dialogue is not a sign of weakness,” he said. “It is a sign of maturity. The Prophet himself preferred peace over war when possible. When you talk to people, you reduce hostility and open doors for reintegration.”
According to Gumi, peacebuilding should include education reform, community policing, and development programs for youths in rural areas. He suggested that the government should channel more funds into schools, hospitals, and skill development, rather than spending billions on ammunition.
Reference to US and Global Experience
In his remarks, Gumi pointed to international examples to illustrate that military superiority does not guarantee victory in asymmetric warfare. He cited the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan after two decades of fighting the Taliban as evidence that terrorism cannot be eradicated through force alone.
“The U.S. has drones, satellites, and global intelligence networks, yet they could not defeat the Taliban,” Gumi noted. “How then can we in Nigeria expect to win against Boko Haram when we do not even have the trust of our people or the basic welfare of our citizens secured?”
He said the Nigerian government must learn from such experiences by adopting a comprehensive national reconciliation plan that prioritizes education, justice, and poverty alleviation.
Criticism and Public Reaction
Sheikh Gumi’s statement has stirred strong reactions across the country. While some Nigerians agree that a non-military approach is essential to achieving lasting peace, others have accused the cleric of being sympathetic to insurgents.
Security analysts, however, have echoed parts of his argument. Many experts agree that Nigeria’s fight against terrorism requires both force and reform, noting that no country can win against insurgents without addressing the root causes of discontent.
Political commentators also highlighted that Gumi’s statement underscores the urgent need for governance reform, accountability, and community engagement in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
A Kaduna-based analyst, Ibrahim Adamu, stated, “Gumi may sound controversial, but his point is valid. Boko Haram thrives because there is a vacuum of justice and opportunity in many parts of northern Nigeria. Until that is fixed, the gun alone will not bring peace.”
Government’s Response
Although the federal government has not directly responded to Gumi’s latest comments, security officials have maintained that military pressure remains critical in dismantling terrorist networks.
A senior defense source, however, admitted that the fight against Boko Haram cannot be won solely through combat. “We are combining both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches,” he said, referring to military and non-military strategies.
The government, through various agencies, has also initiated rehabilitation and reintegration programs for repentant insurgents, though these efforts have drawn mixed reactions from the public.
The Bigger Picture
Sheikh Ahmad Gumi’s comments highlight the ongoing debate about the best approach to ending terrorism and banditry in Nigeria. His statement that “even President Trump and the US Army cannot defeat Boko Haram” underscores a broader truth about the limits of military power in addressing socio-economic and ideological problems.
Experts say Nigeria’s path to peace lies not only in strengthening security but also in rebuilding trust, addressing inequality, and empowering marginalized communities.
Until those foundations are laid, the cycle of insurgency may continue, regardless of who leads the military efforts whether it be Nigeria, the United States, or any global power.
