The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) of the Nigerian Army has clarified why controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, and other Islamic leaders have not been arrested or invited for questioning following their condemnation of the Christmas Day airstrikes in Sokoto State conducted by the United States against terrorist enclaves.

In the aftermath of the airstrikes, Sheikh Gumi and several top clerics denounced the operation, describing it as a “war against Islam” and urging the Nigerian government to immediately sever military cooperation with the US. The cleric also claimed that the strikes, which targeted ISIS-linked militants, amounted to a “neo-Crusade” and could escalate regional tensions.

Sheikh Gumi further questioned the motives of the United States, suggesting that the airstrikes were designed to protect Christians and infringe upon Nigeria’s sovereignty. He urged the Nigerian government to seek assistance from “neutral” countries such as China, Turkey, or Pakistan, instead of relying on the US for counterterrorism support.

While many Nigerians have questioned why security agencies have not taken action against Sheikh Gumi, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, offered an explanation during a briefing with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday.

Maj. Gen. Onoja emphasized that it is not the role of the Armed Forces to respond to every public statement. According to him, other relevant government agencies are responsible for addressing such matters.

“Every agency has its functions. It is not for the Armed Forces to focus on what some people in society do not agree with in our activities,” Onoja said.

He added that the Army’s priority is on its operational duties, including both kinetic and, when necessary, non-kinetic operations. “I believe that there are relevant agencies who are tasked to consider such statements if they are against or for the country, and I am confident they are doing so,” he said.

Maj. Gen. Onoja’s statement clarifies the military’s position, indicating that the absence of immediate action against Sheikh Gumi and other clerics does not mean their comments are being ignored, but rather that responsibility lies with the appropriate institutions.

The Nigerian Army has consistently stated that its focus remains on combating terrorism and maintaining national security, rather than engaging in public debates or responding to every critique from religious or civil society leaders.

Observers say the Army’s position highlights the delicate balance between ensuring security, respecting freedom of expression, and allowing other government agencies to handle potentially sensitive public statements.

Security experts note that while clerics like Sheikh Gumi play influential roles in society, the military is constrained by legal and operational frameworks that define its scope of action.

As the nation continues to navigate complex counterterrorism operations, the coordination between the military and other government agencies remains crucial to addressing both security threats and public discourse effectively.