Chief of Army Staff Waidi Shaibu met with Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar in Sokoto on Friday, one day after US forces conducted air strikes targeting ISIS positions in the state. The Nigerian Army said the visit was intended to strengthen civil-military relations and promote collaboration with traditional institutions for national security.
The US Africa Command executed the aerial bombardment at Nigeria’s request, according to Defence Headquarters, which said the strikes were calibrated to minimize collateral damage. However, broadcaster Ladan Salihu claimed the bombs missed their target, landing in Jabo village in Tambuwal LGA with no reported fatalities. The information ministry later stated the intended target was Buani forest in Tangaza LGA, with debris falling in Jabo and Offa, Kwara state.
“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 statement. The meeting underscored the military’s strategy of working closely with community leaders to maintain stability across Nigeria.