The Sokoto State government says no civilian casualties have been reported following Thursday's coordinated airstrike against suspected terrorist targets in the state.
Nigerian and United States military forces carried out the strike, a part of intensified counter-terrorism cooperation between Abuja and Washington aimed at degrading armed groups that operate along the Nigeria–Niger border.
The Sokoto State government said in a statement released on Friday evening that the joint Nigeria-US airstrike targeted terrorist enclaves in Tangaza Local Government Area, adding that preliminary assessments show no civilians were harmed.
However, authorities are still awaiting full operational reports from military commanders to determine the full extent of the impact of the strikes.
Residents in villages such as Jabo and surrounding communities reported loud explosions and a glowing night sky that caused panic, although there were no immediate reports of injuries or deaths, according to the Associated Press.
Some locals said they were shaken by the unexpected blast.
The strike follows public comments by U.S. officials that the action targeted Islamic State-linked militants in northwest Nigeria, with both sides describing the effort as part of ongoing security cooperation.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs restated that protecting civilian lives and upholding sovereignty remain priorities in such operations.
