For What Reason?” – Sheikh Gumi Breaks Silence On Arrest By US Troops

Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmed Gumi, has denied reports circulating online that he was arrested by United States military personnel in Nigeria, describing the claims as false and misleading.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Gumi reacted after a photo went viral on Thursday, February 5, allegedly showing him being apprehended by US troops at a Nigerian airport.

The image, which spread quickly across social media, was accompanied by claims that the incident was linked to an international counterterrorism operation involving foreign forces in Nigeria.

Some social media posts also alleged that the cleric was intercepted while trying to leave the country for Turkey over suspected links to terrorist groups and their camps.

However, speaking to SaharaReporters on Thursday via telephone, Gumi firmly dismissed the allegations and questioned their credibility.

“The US Army cannot arrest me in Nigeria. Why would the US Army come here to arrest me, for what reason?” he asked.

He also challenged the authenticity of the viral image, insisting it was not genuine but digitally fabricated.

“That picture is AI-generated. Anyone can see that it is artificial,” he said, stressing that the image should not be taken seriously.

Gumi concluded by stating clearly that he had not been arrested.

The cleric has remained a controversial figure in Nigeria due to his past interactions with armed groups and statements many Nigerians perceive as sympathetic to bandits.

In 2021, he drew nationwide attention after meeting with leaders of bandit groups in Kaduna, Zamfara, and other parts of the North-West in efforts aimed at negotiating the release of kidnapped victims.

While some of those engagements reportedly resulted in the release of abductees and earned him praise from affected families, they also raised serious concerns within Nigeria’s security circles.