Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Sokoto confirms U.S. airstrikes against terrorists, says probe ongoing for impact assessment

Mr Bawa said investigations remained active over the discovery of suspicious objects near Jabo town in the Tambuwal Local Government Area.

• December 27, 2025
U.S fighter planes
U.S fighter plane

The Sokoto Government on Friday confirmed the U.S. military airstrikes against terrorist enclaves in Tangaza local government area of the state, saying assessment was underway to determine the impact.

A statement by the director general of media and publicity in the state, Abubakar Bawa, said the airstrikes formed part of the sustained efforts to uproot terrorist and bandit networks operating within the state and along Nigeria’s northwestern borders.

“The impact of the airstrikes could not be immediately determined as assessment reports from the Joint Operations are still being awaited,” the statement said.

U.S. President Donald Trump, on Thursday, announced on his social media pages that the American military carried out a series of airstrikes against terrorist targets in the North-Western state. The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs later issued a statement confirming the operation.

Several Nigerians, including the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), raised concerns regarding possible collateral damage following the operation, with many calling on the Nigerian government to give detailed assessment reports.

Mr Bawa said investigations remained active over the discovery of suspicious objects near Jabo town in the Tambuwal Local Government Area, adding that conclusions would only be drawn after detailed assessment by relevant authorities.

“The circumstances surrounding the objects found in a location near Jabo town could not be immediately explained, as the outcome of analysis by Nigeria–US military authorities is being awaited.

“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, he stated.

Mr Bawa stressed the state government’s commitment to supporting security agencies, urging Nigerians to assist in the fight against the terrorism.

“The Sokoto State government has consistently supported security agencies in the fight against banditry and terrorism by providing necessary equipment to enhance safety across the state,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, the federal government clarified that no civilian casualties were recorded in the operation, reiterating its unwavering resolve to confront, degrade and eliminate terrorist threats, particularly those posed by transnational extremist networks seeking to undermine the country’s sovereignty and security.

“During the course of the operation, debris from expended munitions fell in Jabo, Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, and in Offa, Kwara State, near the premises of a hotel. No civilian casualties were recorded in either location, and relevant authorities promptly secured the affected areas,” Information minister, Muhammed Idris, said in a statement on Friday.

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