COAS visits Sultan of Sokoto hours after US airstrikes target terrorists

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Friday paid a courtesy visit to the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, CFR, less than 24 hours after United States airstrikes targeted terrorist elements in parts of Sokoto State.

The visit, which took place on December 26, 2025, at the Sultan’s palace in Sokoto, underscored the Nigerian Army’s renewed commitment to strengthening civil–military relations and deepening collaboration with traditional institutions in the pursuit of national unity, peace and security.

In a statement shared by the Nigerian Army on X, General Shaibu said the Army remained resolute in working closely with community leaders and traditional authorities to promote stability, peaceful coexistence and public confidence in security operations across the country.

The timing of the visit comes amid heightened security concerns following reports of US airstrikes in Sokoto, a development that has generated public debate over counter-terrorism cooperation and the evolving security situation in the North-West.

During the meeting, the Sultan of Sokoto commended the Nigerian Army for its sacrifices and sustained efforts in safeguarding lives and property, particularly in areas affected by insurgency and banditry.

His Eminence also offered prayers for the continued success of the Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities, urging sustained engagement between security agencies and traditional institutions as a pathway to lasting peace.

The Army said the visit reflected its broader strategy of complementing kinetic operations with community engagement and dialogue, especially at a time of intensified counter-terrorism activities in the region.