Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, paid a visit to the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, on Friday.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Nigerian Army said the visit was aimed at reinforcing its determination to partner with traditional and community leaders to maintain peace, stability, and harmonious coexistence across the country.
The army said in a post on X, “The visit highlights the renewed commitment of the Nigerian Army to strengthening civil-military relations and fostering collaboration with traditional institutions in support of national unity, peace, and security.”
The visit came less than 24 hours after the United States conducted air strikes on ISIS enclaves in Sokoto. The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) said the operation was carried out at the request of Nigerian authorities, while the Defence Headquarters later confirmed that the Nigerian military worked with the United States in executing the operation.
Military authorities said the strikes were carefully planned and intelligence-driven, targeting terrorist hideouts linked to foreign fighters infiltrating Nigeria through the Sahel region.
The Defence Headquarters also stated that the operation was designed to neutralise the terrorists while limiting harm to civilians.
However, some residents in affected areas reported hearing explosions, with claims that debris from the strikes landed in Jabo area of Tambuwal LGA of Sokoto State.
Ministry of Information later clarified that the intended target was the Buani forest axis in Tangaza Local Government Area, adding that debris also fell in Offa, Kwara State, and that no civilian casualties were recorded.
