Former Governor of Sokoto State and Senator representing Sokoto South Senatorial District, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has clarified that recent United States airstrikes carried out in collaboration with Nigerian military forces in Sokoto State were aimed at the Lakurawa terrorist group.
He urged residents and Nigerians at large to remain calm, stressing that the operation should not be interpreted as a religious conflict.
Tambuwal made the clarification during an interview on ARISE News Channel, following reports of a joint US-Nigeria airstrike on a suspected terrorist enclave in the state.
He said information available to him from senior security officials showed that the operation targeted a Lakurawa hideout in Tangeza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
“The target was an enclave in the Tangeza local government of Sokoto State. I recollect that while serving as Governor of Sokoto State, we had issues of Lakurawa in the same sub-area of Sokoto, particularly Tangeza, Gudu and some extent, Binji local governments of Sokoto State and we carried out joint operations with the DSS, Army, and other security forces, which were very effective against Lakurawa, and they pushed back. Not much was heard from them until recently,” the senator said.
The former governor cautioned against politicising the operation or framing it along religious lines, maintaining that terrorism is a collective threat to Nigerians regardless of background or belief.
He said, “This is not a religious war, it is not an ethnic war. It is about securing the lives and property of Nigerians. Terrorists are nobody’s friends, and we must avoid narratives that divide us.”
Tambuwal also reflected on counterterrorism efforts during his time as governor, noting that his administration confronted similar threats in the past. Responding to calls by Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi for Nigeria to discontinue cooperation with the United States, he said differing opinions were normal in a democracy but argued that the country should accept genuine assistance when available.
“We should seek help where we can get genuine help and without any undertone,” he said.
He further stated that any international cooperation against terrorism should be broad-based and extended to other affected states such as Borno, Zamfara, Katsina and Kaduna, to avoid perceptions that Sokoto was being unfairly targeted.
Tambuwal added that terrorism had evolved into a cross-border problem across the Sahel, spanning countries including Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, and therefore required a coordinated and transparent global response.
The former governor said: “I did call for greater collaboration and support for the government of Nigeria and governments at all levels some six days back, and only last night, we woke up to hear of these strikes.
“I have issued a statement calling for calm and support for the security agencies as we all face these challenges. I have been very clear in my earlier statements that terrorists are nobody’s friends and we must avoid giving them any political or religious connotations. The narratives should be about securing the lives and properties of Nigerians.”
Asked whether the US-backed operation would succeed in eliminating terrorists and restoring peace, Tambuwal expressed cautious concern based on past experiences.
“I will take that with some mixed reactions. If we go by the history of such operations carried out by the US in some parts of the world, I am very concerned, and we must be circumspect.
“If their history is anything to go by, it has not been able to effectively achieve much in some of the areas where they carried out such collaborative efforts.
“However, it is important that we understand that this is not a religious war, this is not an ethnic war. It is about securing our country. So, help may come from unexpected quarters. But what we need to do is to ensure that no hidden agenda is pursued in this fight against terrorism.”
Earlier in the day, Tambuwal appealed to residents of his senatorial district to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as efforts continue to eliminate terrorist elements, assuring law-abiding citizens of their safety.
In a post on his verified X handle, he wrote: “I have noted the reports of the airstrike carried out as part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts between Nigeria and the United States. I urge our communities to remain calm and law-abiding as authorities clarify the circumstances of the operation.
“I wish to assure the people of Sokoto South that I am in active discussions with relevant security authorities to obtain full details and ensure that all necessary safeguards are upheld.
“It is important to reassure the public that these operations target criminal and terrorist elements, not innocent civilians. The protection of civilian lives 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.
“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.”
