Sokoto State Government has confirmed that a joint military airstrike involving Nigerian forces and the United States successfully hit terrorist hideouts in the state, with no civilians harmed during the operation.
The strike took place in Tangaza Local Government Area, a border community that has witnessed repeated security threats linked to terrorism and banditry.
The state government said the operation was carefully executed and strictly targeted criminal elements operating in the area.
This confirmation was made public on Friday through an official statement issued by the Director-General of Media and Publicity at Government House, Sokoto, Abubakar Bawa.
The statement explained that the operation was carried out earlier in the week as part of broader efforts to weaken terrorist networks within Sokoto State and its surrounding border regions.
According to the government, the air operation was a joint security effort aimed at disrupting the movement, coordination, and operational capacity of armed groups terrorising communities in the North-West.
“The impact of the airstrike could not be immediately determined as assessment reports from the Joint Operations are still being awaited,” the statement said.
The government also reacted to concerns raised by residents over the discovery of suspicious objects near Jabo town in Tambuwal Local Government Area.
Authorities clarified that investigations are ongoing and that security experts from both Nigeria and the United States are still analysing the situation.
“The circumstances surrounding the objects found in a location near Jabo town could not be immediately explained, as the outcome of analysis by Nigeria–US military authorities is being awaited,” the statement added.
Despite public anxiety, the Sokoto State Government stressed that there were no reports of civilian casualties in either Tangaza or Jabo communities. It reassured residents that safety measures were in place and that intelligence-led operations were being conducted with caution.
The government also expressed support for international military cooperation, describing the partnership between Nigeria and the United States as vital in the fight against terrorism and cross-border crimes.
“Sokoto State welcomes any collaboration between Nigeria and all relevant global stakeholders aimed at curbing the menace of terrorism and cross-border crimes in the state,” the statement noted.
Officials said the ongoing security actions are focused on protecting lives, restoring peace, and ensuring that communities affected by insecurity can return to normal daily activities without fear.
The state government further disclosed that it has continued to support security agencies operating in Sokoto. Over the past two years, the government said it has provided logistics, equipment, and other forms of operational support to strengthen security presence across the state.
“The Sokoto State Government has consistently supported security agencies in the fight against banditry and terrorism by providing necessary equipment to enhance safety across the state,” the statement said.
Residents of affected areas were urged to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by sharing credible and timely information that could help ongoing operations.
The government also appealed for continued public support for both federal and state authorities.
In addition, citizens were encouraged to pray for the success of security personnel working to restore peace across the state and the country.
“The government calls on residents to continue to pray to Almighty Allah to assist our security agencies to defeat criminals in the state and the country at large,” the statement concluded.
The joint airstrike comes amid intensified military actions across Nigeria’s North-West, where security forces are increasing pressure on armed groups involved in terrorism, banditry, and cross-border criminal activities.