Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, met with the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, on Friday in a move the Nigerian Army described as aimed at strengthening ties with community leadership to promote national stability.
The visit, according to the army, was meant to reaffirm the resolve of the Nigerian Army to work closely with community leaders to promote stability and coexistence across the country.
In a post on 𝕏, the Nigerian Army said the engagement underscores its renewed commitment to strengthening civil–military relations and fostering collaboration with traditional institutions in support of national unity, peace, and security.
The meeting took place less than 24 hours after the United States launched air strikes on ISIS‑linked enclaves in Sokoto State.
The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) said the aerial bombardment was carried out “at the request of Nigerian authorities.”
Shortly after, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed that the Nigerian military collaborated with the US government in executing the strikes. Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, explained that the operations were deliberately calibrated to neutralise the targeted elements while minimising collateral damage.
However, the action was not without controversy. Nigerian broadcaster and former Director‑General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Ladan Salihu, claimed the strikes missed their intended target and lacked precision.
He asserted that the bombs landed in Jabo village, Tambuwal LGA of Sokoto, where residents reported no fatalities.
The Ministry of Information later clarified that the intended target was Buani Forest in Tangaza LGA of Sokoto, known to harbour extremist elements.
The ministry also noted that debris from the strikes fell in Jabo and Offa in Kwara State during the operation.