Kaduna-based Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi has alleged that American intelligence agencies are behind the activities of bandits and Boko Haram terrorists in Nigeria. Gumi made the claim in a Facebook post on Saturday while reacting to comments by Mike Arnold, who had spoken about the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria. Gumi accused Arnold of promoting a false narrative about Christian killings while ignoring the insecurity affecting parts of northern Nigeria. He wrote that bandits and Boko Haram are "allegedly sponsored by the same American intelligence." Gumi added: "One of the things Islam abhors is lies and liars."
Key Points:
- Gumi's allegation could strain Nigeria-US counterterrorism cooperation if taken seriously.
- The cleric's claims may fuel anti-American sentiment among Nigerians already frustrated with insecurity.
- Families of victims of banditry and Boko Haram attacks may feel their suffering is being used for political narratives.
- The US government has not responded to Gumi's allegations at the time of this report.
- The timing of this claim, amid ongoing counterterrorism talks between Nigerian and US officials, is highly sensitive.
Sources: Daily Post Nigeria
