Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has described the late Brigadier-General Musa Uba as a “martyr,” following reports that the senior officer was killed in an ambush by terrorists in Borno State.
Reacting in a Facebook post on Tuesday, Gumi said the general’s death reflects the sacrifices made by Muslims and security personnel in the fight against insurgency.
Gumi claimed that Boko Haram insurgents are not operating independently, alleging that the group is being used in a “proxy war” backed by unnamed foreign interests.
He argued that the insurgency persists because a large pool of uneducated and unemployed youths remains vulnerable to recruitment.
The cleric criticised what he described as Nigeria’s desperation to prove its commitment to fighting terrorism before foreign nations, saying such behaviour does not address the root cause of the crisis.
He insisted that Boko Haram is “not a disorganised militant group” but one fortified by external sponsors.
According to him, warnings, threats and criticisms from foreign governments “do not amount to genuine assistance,” adding that Nigeria must instead focus on disrupting alleged foreign support structures for the terrorist organisation.
Gumi said the killing of Brigadier-General Uba demonstrates the role played by Muslims in confronting violent extremism.
He wrote, “The martyrdom of Brigadier-General Musa Uba- Rahmatullahi Alaihi.
“Boko Haram are fighting a proxy war, armed by a ‘ghost’ international interest.
“Our weakness comes from neglecting a teaming number of youth without either education or employment. So they become ready-made soldiers for the enemies of the state to be exploited.
“Let us not rush in trying to prove to Trump that we are fighting them from the stalemate our military has achieved so far, as we strategise how to cut off their supplies and their foreign sponsors.
“We should know we are not fighting a ragtag army but people supported by outsiders. These same outsiders are threatening us with false pretentious claims.
“If they truly want to assist us, it is not by contemptuous threats and blackmail.
“If anything, his martyrdom has proven that Muslims are actively engaged in the fight against extremists.
“May Allah accept his shahadah! May Allah protect us all from all evil and their machinations.”
Sources reports that Gumi’s statement comes after the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), in a statement published in Arabic via its Amaq propaganda channel, claimed responsibility for capturing and executing the brigade commander.
The group released a photo collage showing Uba in his office and another showing him in blood-stained combat wear after his alleged capture.
