From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
The Senator representing Sokoto South Senatorial District and former Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has urged residents to remain calm following reports of airstrikes carried out in parts of the state as part of counterterrorism operations.
Tambuwal made the call in a statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, where he explained that the operation was conducted through cooperation between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the United States.
He appealed to residents to remain law-abiding while relevant authorities provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding the reported airstrikes.
The senator assured constituents in Sokoto South that he was engaging with appropriate security agencies to obtain full details of the operation and to ensure that necessary safeguards were observed.
Tambuwal emphasised that counterterrorism operations are targeted strictly at criminal and terrorist elements posing threats to public safety, and not at innocent civilians, whom he described as victims of insecurity.
He stressed that the protection of civilian lives must remain central to all legitimate security operations.
The former governor also commended the Nigerian military and other security agencies for their courage and professionalism in the fight against terrorism and banditry, noting that their sacrifices were often made under difficult conditions and sometimes in collaboration with international partners.
Tambuwal further called on community leaders, traditional institutions and residents to support security efforts by providing credible information and resisting misinformation capable of creating fear or tension within communities.
According to him, unity, vigilance and cooperation with lawful security operations remain critical to defeating terrorism and ensuring lasting peace in Sokoto State and across the country.