Former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal and former New Nigeria Peoples Party presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso have called on residents of Sokoto State to remain calm and law abiding following recent United States airstrikes targeting terrorist elements in the state.
Pandemonium was reported on Thursday night in Jabo, a town in Tambuwal Local Government Area, after the US military carried out airstrikes as part of counterterrorism operations. US President Donald Trump had earlier announced a major operation in Nigeria aimed at eliminating terrorists responsible for insecurity in the country.
Reacting to the development, Tambuwal commended the cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in the fight against terrorism, while urging affected communities to maintain peace as investigations continue.
“I have noted the reports concerning an airstrike carried out as part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts through cooperation between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the United States. I urge our communities to remain calm and law abiding as relevant authorities clarify the circumstances surrounding the operation.
“I wish to assure the people of Sokoto South that I am in active talks with relevant security authorities to obtain full details and ensure that all necessary safeguards are upheld.
“It is important to reassure the public that counterterrorism operations are targeted at criminal and terrorist elements who threaten our collective safety, and not at innocent civilians who are themselves victims of insecurity. The protection of civilian lives remains paramount and remains central to all legitimate security operations.
“I commend the courage and professionalism of our military and security forces, who continue to work tirelessly, often in collaboration with international partners, to confront terrorism and banditry under extremely challenging conditions. Their sacrifice and commitment to restoring peace and stability deserve our full support and cooperation.
“I also call on community leaders, traditional institutions, and residents to continue working closely with security agencies by sharing credible information and resisting misinformation that could heighten fear or tension.
“Together, through unity, vigilance, and support for lawful security efforts, we will overcome the forces of terror and secure lasting peace for Sokoto State and Nigeria at large,” Tambuwal said.
Similarly, Kwankwaso urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that terrorism would be defeated and peace restored. He confirmed that he was engaging security agencies to obtain further details on the airstrike.
“I have noted the reports concerning an airstrike carried out as part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts through cooperation between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the United States.
“I urge our communities to remain calm and law abiding as relevant authorities clarify the circumstances surrounding the operation.
“I wish to assure the people of Sokoto South that I am in active talks with relevant security authorities to obtain full details and ensure that all necessary safeguards are upheld.
“Together, through unity, vigilance, and support for lawful security efforts, we will overcome the forces of terror and secure lasting peace for Sokoto State and Nigeria at large,” Kwankwaso said.
Both leaders emphasized the need for public cooperation with security agencies and cautioned against misinformation as efforts continue to restore stability in the state.
