In a shocking allegation that has set social media ablaze, prominent Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi has claimed he is on a United States government hit list. The cleric stated that the US plans to eliminate him through an airstrike, framing him as part of the Boko Haram terrorist group.
Gumi's Viral Video Allegation
The controversial figure made these serious claims while speaking to his congregation. A video of his address was posted on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, by user @General_Somto on Sunday, January 4, 2026. The footage quickly gained traction online, sparking widespread debate and concern.
Sheikh Gumi, who is based in Kaduna State, revealed that he received a critical phone call from a high-ranking official in Abuja, Nigeria's capital. According to him, this official warned that his name was among those marked by American authorities for elimination via an airstrike. The cleric asserted that the plan was to wrongly associate him with the militant Islamist group, Boko Haram.
A Call to Northern Leaders and Clerics
In his emotional plea, Gumi directly called upon influential figures from Nigeria's northern region to intervene. He urged Northern leaders and fellow clerics to break their silence and publicly challenge what he described as dangerous falsehoods.
"I received a call from a top official in Abuja informing me that I am among those marked by the US for elimination through an American airstrike, as part of boko haram," Gumi stated in the viral video. "Northern leaders and clerics must speak up against these lies."
Context and Potential Repercussions
This allegation arrives amidst a complex security landscape in Northern Nigeria. Sheikh Gumi has been a controversial but key figure in discussions around banditry and insurgency, often acting as a mediator. His claim of being targeted by a foreign power could significantly escalate tensions and provoke strong reactions from his supporters and the wider public.
The video's rapid spread online underscores the power of social media in shaping national discourse. As of now, there has been no official reaction from either the Nigerian or United States governments regarding the cleric's explosive claims. The situation remains fluid, with many awaiting verification or denial from the authorities mentioned.
