The Sokoto State Government has confirmed that a joint military airstrike carried out by Nigerian and United States forces successfully targeted terrorist hideouts in the state, with no civilian casualties recorded.
The operation, conducted earlier in the week, took place in Tangaza Local Government Area, a border community that has faced persistent security threats linked to terrorism and banditry.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Director-General of Media and Publicity, Government House, Sokoto, Abubakar Bawa, said the airstrike was part of broader efforts to disrupt the movement, coordination and operational capacity of armed groups terrorising communities in Sokoto and neighbouring border areas.
“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 addressed public concerns over the discovery of suspicious objects near Jabo town in Tambuwal Local Government Area, explaining that investigations are ongoing and that security experts from both Nigeria and the United States are analysing the situation.
“The circumstances surrounding the objects found near Jabo town could not be immediately explained, as the outcome of analysis by Nigeria–US military authorities is being awaited,” Bawa noted.
Despite public anxiety, the state government assured residents that no civilians were harmed in either Tangaza or Jabo communities, stressing that intelligence-led operations are being carried out with strict safety measures.
The government welcomed the Nigeria–US security partnership, describing international military cooperation 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 added.
It further disclosed that the state government has continued to support security agencies with logistics, equipment and operational assistance over the past two years to strengthen security presence across the state.
Residents were urged to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies by sharing credible intelligence, and continue supporting state and federal authorities. The government also called on citizens to pray for the safety and success of security personnel working to restore peace.
The airstrike comes amid intensified military operations across Nigeria’s North-West, as security forces increase pressure on armed groups involved in terrorism, banditry and cross-border criminal activities.
