Reactions As Nigerian Cleric Vows To Fight Against U.S Military [Video]

An Islamic cleric in Plateau State, Sheikh Muhammad Sani Yahaya Jingir, popularly known to as the “fearless leader,” has declared that he is ready to confront the United States military.

The statement appeared in a short 28-second video that began circulating online early Thursday.

The video, shared by the X handle @General_Somto, shows the cleric speaking, with image of U.S. President Donald Trump seen in the footage.

In the video, Sheikh Jingir said that America cannot defeat them and that they are fully prepared if the U.S. chooses to fight.

“America cannot defeat us, and if they insist on fighting us, we’re more than ready to confront them,” he was quoted as saying.

The video emerged at a time of rising tension between Nigeria and the United States, following U.S. airstrikes carried out on December 25, 2025, against ISIS-linked fighters in Sokoto State.

Nigerian authorities confirmed that the strikes killed several ISWAP militants, though there were concerns about possible civilian casualties.

Since the video went viral, reactions online have been largely critical against Sheikh Jingir.

Some users mocked the cleric’s remarks, questioning how such threats could be made when Nigeria is still battling Boko Haram and armed bandits.

Others accused him of overlooking local security challenges while appearing to defend criminal groups.

Watch the video below:

“America Cannot Defeat Us, And If They Insist On Fighting Us, We Are More Than Ready To Confront Them,” ~ Northern Islamic Cleric Dares Trump And The U.S. Military. pic.twitter.com/wuZeKyrHIV

— Somto Okonkwo (@General_Somto) January 8, 2026

See some reactions below:

America can't defeat you in massacring Nigerians❗️

Tell me how Islam is a religion of peace❓❓❓

Instead of telling your wards to stop killing, you are protecting and gingering them ❗️

You are a TERRORIST❗️❗️❗️ pic.twitter.com/Kb1N0P0mnZ

— Grandeur🧑‍🎤🌹Gcfr🔱▪️🇳🇬🇱🇷 (@amaka_gemma) January 8, 2026

This man is not on social media. He doesn’t even know we will see this video. Please Trump, don’t listen to him

— DeanOfAfrica (@DeanOnuoha) January 8, 2026

Start by showing us what you will use to defeat America

— Nkeiru (@JanetNkeiru) January 8, 2026

I keep wondering if they are the terrorist because Trump only said he want to kill terrorist oh
Why una Dey vex

— Most gentle 🥰 (@OluwatayoRhoda) January 8, 2026

I really don’t get the panicking with these Islamic clerics, are they terrorists? And what does he mean by “America cannot defeat us” their delusion is loud.

— Josh Greyy (@theJoshGrey) January 8, 2026

This kind of talk doesn't help anyone. Regular people on both sides are the ones who suffer while the leaders make threats from safe places.

— O.P. JiRI (@The_Great_JiRI) January 8, 2026

Your Excellency, @realDonaldTrump this extremists are daring your capability. Please teach them a lesson.

— Igwe of Enugu (@Richie_Ehdu) January 8, 2026

Who is the "Us" that he's referring to? Trump only said that he targets terrorists.

So?? https://t.co/tsqKMnnYlL

— JAGA 🪔 (@jagaletz) January 8, 2026

KanyiDaily recalls that the United States recently imposed fresh visa restrictions on a number of Nigerians accused of violating religious freedom.