Nigeria-US joint airstrike hits terrorist hotspots, no civilian casulaties, Sokoto confirms

Nigeria-US joint airstrike hits terrorist hotspots, no civilian casulaties, Sokoto confirms

The Sokoto State Government has confirmed that a joint airstrike carried out by the Nigerian military in collaboration with the United States targeted terrorist enclaves in Tangaza Local Government Area, with no civilian casualties recorded.

The confirmation was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Director-General of Media and Publicity, Government House, Sokoto, Abubakar Bawa, and made available to journalists in the state capital.

According to the statement, the joint operation, conducted on Wednesday, was part of ongoing efforts to degrade terrorist and bandit networks operating within Sokoto State and along Nigeria’s northwestern borders.

“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 state government also addressed public concerns surrounding the discovery of suspicious objects near Jabo town in Tambuwal Local Government Area, clarifying that investigations were still ongoing.

“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,” Bawa stated.

He, however, emphasised that no civilian casualties were recorded in both Tangaza and Jabo communities.

Reaffirming its position on international security cooperation, the Sokoto State Government welcomed the collaboration between Nigeria and the United States, describing it as a critical step in tackling terrorism and cross-border criminal activities.

“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.

It added that the ongoing security operations were focused on safeguarding residents and protecting lives and property across the state.

The government further highlighted its sustained support for security agencies, noting that over the past two years, it has provided operational assistance and equipment to strengthen security architecture in 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.

The government also called on residents of affected communities to remain calm and continue cooperating with security agencies by sharing credible intelligence that could aid ongoing operations.

It urged citizens to support both federal and state authorities in their collective efforts to restore lasting peace and security, while also appealing for prayers for the success of security forces.

“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 operations across Nigeria’s North-West region, where security forces are targeting armed groups linked to terrorism, banditry, and trans-border crimes.

Sokoto State Governor, Aliyu Ahmed