Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has raised a serious alarm, claiming he was informed of a plot by the United States to assassinate him. This startling revelation comes as the Nigerian military announces a major success, recovering a large cache of ammunition and arresting over a dozen suspects in the Northeast.
Gumi's Allegation of a US Assassination Plot
In a video sermon that went viral on social media on Saturday, January 4, 2026, the Kaduna-based cleric made a grave accusation. Sheikh Ahmad Gumi stated that he received an early-morning call from a high-level source in Abuja. The caller allegedly informed him that his name was on a list of individuals marked for elimination by the United States, linking him to the terrorist group Boko Haram.
"I received a call from a top official in Abuja informing me that I am among those marked by the U.S. for elimination through an American airstrike, as part of Boko Haram," Gumi told his congregation. He urged northern leaders and fellow clerics to speak out against what he termed "lies." Gumi connected this alleged threat to the U.S. military airstrike that targeted members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Sokoto State on December 25.
Military Success in Borno: Arms Recovered, Suspects Nabbed
While Gumi's claims stirred controversy, the Nigerian Army reported tangible gains in its ongoing operations. Over the weekend, troops across various theatres recorded significant breakthroughs.
In a notable operation, troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) conducted a follow-up action in the Bulumkutu Railway general area of Maiduguri, Borno State. The operation, based on actionable intelligence, led to the recovery of a substantial weapons cache.
The recovered items include:
- 1,270 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition warheads.
- 13 pump action rifles.
Furthermore, the military operations across the country resulted in the arrest of 13 suspects. Lieutenant-Colonel Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, confirmed the recovery. He stated the operation was part of sustained efforts to deny criminal and terrorist elements freedom of action, especially following the recent neutralization and apprehension of multiple suicide bombers.
Analysis and Implications
The dual developments highlight the complex security landscape in Nigeria. On one hand, a prominent figure alleges a foreign-backed threat, potentially inflaming public discourse. On the other, the military demonstrates proactive measures against insurgency with concrete results.
Gumi's allegations remain unverified by independent sources and have not been addressed by the US or Nigerian federal authorities at this time. They underscore the heightened tensions and narratives surrounding counter-terrorism operations.
Conversely, the military's success in Borno State showcases the ongoing pressure on armed groups. The recovery of such a large quantity of ammunition, particularly 12.7mm rounds often used in heavy machine guns, represents a potential blow to the logistical capabilities of terrorist factions in the region. The arrests also contribute to intelligence gathering and disruption of planned attacks.
The situation continues to evolve, with the public awaiting official responses to the cleric's serious claims while acknowledging the military's recent achievements in the fight against insecurity.
