Former APC Spokesman Urges U.S. to Suspend Intelligence Sharing with Nigeria Over Controversial Remarks by Sheikh Ahmad Gumi!
Reported by Mustapha Labake Omowumi (journalist) | Sele Media Africa
A former spokesperson of Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called on the United States government to temporarily suspend intelligence sharing and certain aspects of security cooperation with Nigeria following controversial remarks by Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi.
The appeal comes amid renewed debate over the role of influential clerics in Nigeria’s complex security crisis, particularly the country’s struggle against armed banditry and insurgency in the north.
In public comments that sparked widespread criticism, Sheikh Gumi known for his mediation efforts with armed groups operating in northwestern Nigeria made statements that some analysts and political figures interpreted as sympathetic toward bandits. Critics argue that such remarks risk undermining ongoing military and intelligence operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks responsible for kidnappings, village raids, and mass displacement across several northern states.
Reacting to the controversy, the former APC spokesperson argued that the remarks could damage international confidence in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism framework. He urged the United States to reconsider intelligence cooperation arrangements until Nigerian authorities provide clear assurances that security information will not be compromised.
The call, however, has generated mixed reactions among policy experts and security analysts. Some observers warn that suspending intelligence sharing could weaken joint counter-terrorism efforts in West Africa, where transnational militant groups including factions linked to Islamic State and Al-Qaeda continue to exploit fragile security environments across the Sahel.
Nigeria maintains longstanding security partnerships with the United States and other Western allies, particularly in areas such as counter-terrorism training, surveillance, and intelligence coordination. These collaborations have been crucial in operations against groups such as Boko Haram and its splinter faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Security analysts caution that disrupting intelligence cooperation could complicate efforts to track extremist movements across porous borders linking Nigeria with neighbouring Sahelian states. The country has faced persistent security challenges for over a decade, ranging from jihadist insurgency in the northeast to large-scale banditry and kidnapping networks in the northwest and central regions.
Sheikh Gumi has long been a controversial figure in Nigeria’s security discourse. While some community leaders view his engagement with armed groups as an attempt at dialogue and de-escalation, critics argue that negotiating with criminal actors risks legitimising violence and weakening the rule of law.
As debate intensifies, Nigerian authorities have not publicly indicated any change in the country’s intelligence-sharing arrangements with international partners. Security experts say maintaining strong collaboration with global allies remains essential to confronting evolving threats across the region.
The controversy highlights broader tensions surrounding Nigeria’s approach to combating insecurity balancing military operations, community engagement, and international cooperation.
Sources:
Premium Times, The Punch, Daily Trust, BBC News, Reuters
Mustapha Labake Omowumi is a journalist from Ibadan, Oyo State, and a graduate of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics and Mathematics. He demonstrates a strong commitment to professional journalism, with a keen interest in writing and storytelling, guided by principles of self-discipline, accuracy, and trustworthiness.
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