After U.S. Air Strikes, COAS Waidi Shaibu Holds Crucial Meeting With Sultan Of Sokoto

According to the Army, the visit was aimed at reaffirming its commitment to working closely with traditional authorities to promote peace, unity, and peaceful coexistence across the country. In a post shared on , the Nigerian Army stated that the meeting reflected its renewed dedication to strengthening civil–military relations and fostering collaboration with traditional institutions in support of national security.

The meeting occurred less than 24 hours after the United States carried out air strikes on ISIS-linked locations in Sokoto State. The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) said the strikes were conducted at the request of Nigerian authorities, a claim later confirmed by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), which noted that the Nigerian military collaborated with the US government in executing the operation. According to the Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, the strikes were carefully planned to neutralize targeted elements while minimizing collateral damage.

Despite these assurances, the operation sparked controversy. Broadcaster and former Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Ladan Salihu, alleged that the air strikes missed their intended targets and lacked precision, claiming the bombs fell in Jabo village, Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, where residents reportedly recorded no casualties.

In response, the Ministry of Information clarified that the actual target was the Buani Forest in Tangaza Local Government Area, an area believed to house extremist elements. The ministry added that debris from the air strikes fell in Jabo and also in Offa, Kwara State, during the operation.