In a move to reinforce community relations, Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Waidi Shaibu, met with the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, on Friday, less than 24 hours after United States airstrikes targeted ISIS enclaves in the state.
The army described the visit as a reaffirmation of its commitment to working closely with traditional leaders to promote stability and national unity.
The meeting followed the confirmation by both US Africa Command (AFRICOM) and Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters (DHQ) that the aerial raids were a collaborative effort requested by Nigerian authorities.
However, controversy emerged regarding the strike’s precision, with broadcaster Ladan Salihu claiming the bombs missed their target and landed in Jabo village without casualties.
The Ministry of Information later clarified that the intended target was Buani forest, but acknowledged that debris from the strikes had fallen in Jabo and as far as Offa in Kwara State.
