The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has paid a courtesy visit to the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III.
The visit took place on Friday, December 26, 2025, at the Sultan’s Palace in Sokoto State.
According to the Nigerian Army, the visit underscores renewed efforts to strengthen civil–military relations and deepen collaboration with traditional institutions in the interest of national unity, peace and security.
During the meeting, General Shaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to working closely with community and traditional leaders to promote stability and peaceful coexistence across the country.
The Sultan commended the Army for its sacrifices and ongoing efforts to protect lives and property, and offered prayers for continued success in the discharge of its constitutional duties.
The visit came less than 24 hours after United States forces carried out air strikes on suspected ISIS hideouts in Sokoto State, an operation that has generated nationwide debate.
The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) said the strikes were carried out at the request of Nigerian authorities, a position later confirmed by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), which said the operation was jointly executed.
Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the strikes were carefully planned to neutralise specific targets while minimising collateral damage.
However, the operation has faced criticism, with claims that some munitions missed their intended targets and debris fell in Jabo village, Tambuwal Local Government Area, with no reported fatalities.
The Ministry of Information later clarified that the primary target was the Buani forest in Tangaza Local Government Area, adding that debris from the strikes fell in Jabo, Sokoto State, and Offa in Kwara State, causing confusion among residents.
