Popular Lagos-based cleric, Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele, has issued a stark warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, cautioning that terrorists and bandits are allegedly planning severe reprisal attacks against Nigeria. This warning comes in the wake of recent United States military airstrikes on terrorist hideouts in Sokoto State.
Ayodele's Dire Prediction on Security
In a statement released by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, and obtained by Legit.ng on Tuesday, December 31, 2025, the founder of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church stated that the US action has exposed a critical vulnerability. Primate Ayodele, known for his predictions on politics and security, argued that the missile launch was not genuine aid but a move to advance Western interests in Nigeria.
The cleric emphatically warned that celebrations over the US intervention are premature. He stated that the attack highlights the "weakness" of President Tinubu's administration and signals its ongoing struggle to curb the nation's pervasive insecurity and banditry.
"Government Must Get Prepared"
Primate Ayodele's message contained a direct admonition for the government and military. He urged the Nigerian armed forces to unite and develop a robust strategy to prevent any setbacks in the counter-insurgency fight. He stressed that the terrorists are prepared for any outcome and are ready to launch a heavy counter-attack.
"Nigerians should not celebrate yet, and President Tinubu should not celebrate either, because the powerlessness of his government is getting exposed, and America can come up with anything against him. This won’t stop kidnapping or insecurity in Nigeria," Ayodele said.
He further warned, "The government of Nigeria must work on it because the US cannot do it without the Nigerian government. Another bombing is coming up, and these bandits are ready for the consequences. They are also ready to counter-attack heavily; the government must get prepared for the outcome."
Sheikh Gumi Advocates for Alternative Approach
Meanwhile, prominent Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has reacted to the US airstrikes with different advice. Amid the public debate following the Christmas Day operations, which the Nigerian Army confirmed were coordinated with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), Gumi urged a shift in strategy.
Sheikh Gumi called on the United States to redirect resources from military action towards education and social support for pastoral communities in northern Nigeria. This perspective adds to the growing discourse questioning the long-term efficacy and implications of foreign military interventions in the country's security challenges.
Military Reports Operational Gains
In related developments, the Nigerian Army has announced significant successes in its nationwide operations. In a recent statement, the army reported neutralizing 47 terrorists and arresting 19 criminal suspects across multiple theatres of operation.
The coordinated land and air offensives also led to the rescue of more than 30 kidnapped victims. Security forces recovered a substantial cache of arms, ammunition, and other logistics used by the criminal elements. These sustained operations target terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers threatening national security.
Additionally, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) reported a major success in Zamfara State, where precision air interdiction missions wiped out dozens of bandits and destroyed key operational facilities in their strongholds.
Despite these reported gains, Primate Ayodele's warning underscores the persistent and evolving nature of the security threat, calling for heightened vigilance and a cohesive national strategy beyond external interventions.
