Army Chief meets Sultan of Sokoto following US air strikes

The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Waidi Shaibu, on Friday paid a visit to the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar.

The meeting was aimed at reaffirming the commitment of the Nigerian Army to work closely with traditional and community leaders in promoting peace, stability, and peaceful coexistence across the country.

“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 army said in a post on X.

The visit took place less than 24 hours after the US launched air strikes on ISIS enclaves in Sokoto.

The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) said the aerial bombardment was at “the request of Nigerian authorities”.

Subsequently, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed that the Nigerian military collaborated with the US government to execute the air raids.

Samaila Uba, director of defence information, said the strikes were deliberately calibrated to neutralise the targeted elements while minimising collateral damage.

However, Ladan Salihu, a Nigerian broadcaster and former director-general of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), said the strikes missed their intended target and lacked precision.

He claimed the bombs landed in Jabo village, Tambuwal LGA of Sokoto, and that residents said there were no fatalities.

The ministry of information later said the intended target was Buani forest in Tangaza LGA of Sokoto.

The ministry said debris from the strikes fell in Jabo and Offa in Kwara state.

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