The Sokoto State Government has acknowledged that a coordinated airstrike conducted by the Nigerian military and the United States targeted terrorist enclaves in the Tangaza Local Government Area, with no civilian casualties reported.
The confirmation was contained in a statement released on Friday by Abubakar Bawa, Director-General of Media and Publicity at Government House in Sokoto, and made available to media in the state capital.
According to the statement, the combined operation on Wednesday was part of ongoing operations to dismantle terrorist and bandit networks in Sokoto State and along Nigeria’s northeastern border.
“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 about the finding of suspicious materials near Jabo town in the Tambuwal Local Government Area, stating that investigations were still underway.
“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 did, however, underline that no civilian casualties were reported in the Tangaza and Jabo settlements.
The Sokoto State Government reaffirmed its commitment to international security cooperation, calling the collaboration between Nigeria and the United States a key step toward combating terrorism and cross-border criminal activity.
“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 went on to say that continuous security measures were aimed at protecting inhabitants as well as lives and property throughout the state.
The government also emphasized its ongoing support for security services, pointing out that it has supplied operational help and equipment to bolster the state’s security infrastructure during the last two years.
“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 administration also urged inhabitants of affected towns to remain calm and continue to work with security forces by supplying credible intelligence that could benefit current operations.
It asked individuals to support both federal and state authorities in their attempts to restore long-term peace and security, as well as to pray 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 coordinated airstrike coincides with increased military operations in Nigeria’s Northwest area, where security forces are targeting armed groups linked to terrorism, banditry, and transnational crimes.
