KADUNA — Controversial Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has triggered a fresh diplomatic row, calling for an urgent federal investigation into American missionary Alex Barbir, whom he alleges is a covert CIA operative fueling religious division in Plateau State.
In a series of public statements issued as of Tuesday, April 7, 2026, Gumi labelled Barbir’s activities in the Middle Belt as “suspicious” and “provocative.” The cleric argued that the missionary is weaponizing a “Christian Genocide” narrative to incite communal conflict and demanded that the Federal Government arrest or deport him if his actions are found to undermine national security.
Tactical Gear and Lithium Theories
The allegations against Barbir have gained significant traction on social media, with critics pointing to photos of the missionary in tactical military gear as evidence of his ties to private mercenary groups like Blackwater. Gumi’s supporters suggest that Barbir’s humanitarian work is a smokescreen for foreign interests seeking to exploit Nigeria’s massive lithium and tin deposits by creating “ungoverned spaces” through ethnic strife.
This follows Gumi’s recent demand for President Bola Tinubu to sever all military ties with the United States and instead partner with countries like China, Turkey, or Pakistan. The cleric warned that continued reliance on Washington—especially following recent U.S. airstrikes on ISIS targets—would only turn Nigeria into a “perpetual theatre of war.”
“Propaganda and Malice” — Local Leaders Fire Back
The accusations have met fierce resistance from leaders in Plateau State, who describe the cleric’s claims as dangerous “propaganda.” Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, a prominent local voice, has emerged as Barbir’s chief defender, asserting that the missionary has spent years helping both Christian and Muslim victims of terror rebuild their homes.
“Alex Barbir is tending to the wounds that others have ignored,” Dachomo stated in a viral video. He challenged Gumi’s moral standing, contrasting Barbir’s aid work with the cleric’s own history of negotiating for bandits and seeking government compensation for them. Dachomo further warned that Gumi would be held personally responsible should any harm come to the missionary following the “public target” placed on his back.
The Expulsion Rumours
As of Tuesday morning, conflicting reports have surfaced regarding Barbir’s status in the country. While some social media accounts claimed that the Ministry of Interior had issued an expulsion directive, Barbir has reportedly denied receiving any official order to leave. He maintains that his work is strictly humanitarian and focused on providing relief to communities “pushed to the wall” by years of unaddressed violence.
The Federal Government has not yet issued a formal statement on the matter, but security sources in Abuja indicate that the activities of all foreign nationals in conflict zones are under “routine review” to ensure they do not infringe on the Nigeria Data Protection Act or national security protocols.
