ACF Awaits Full Details Before Commenting on US–Nigeria Airstrikes in Sokoto

ACF Awaits Full Details Before Commenting on US–Nigeria Airstrikes in Sokoto

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has declined to issue an immediate response to the recent United States–Nigeria joint airstrikes targeting terrorist enclaves in Sokoto State, saying it is awaiting detailed and verified information before taking a firm position.

The Forum’s National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, told Saturday Sun that the ACF leadership is exercising caution amid growing public debate over the operation.

“There will be no statement for now,” Muhammad-Baba said. “The ACF leadership is awaiting further information to enable it take a firm stance on the bombing. You may report this as our official position for now.”

The airstrikes, which were carried out with the approval of President Bola Tinubu, targeted Islamic State (ISIS) hideouts in the Bauni forest axis of Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, as part of a joint counterterrorism operation between Nigeria and the United States.

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The Federal Government has since confirmed that debris from the precision strikes fell in Jabo, Sokoto State, and Offa, Kwara State, but maintained that no civilian casualties were recorded, adding that security agencies swiftly secured the affected areas.

The operation has continued to generate mixed reactions across the country. While some political leaders and civil society groups have called for transparency and clarification of the legal framework guiding foreign military involvement in Nigeria, others have welcomed the strikes as a necessary step to curb terrorism and cross-border insurgency, particularly infiltration from the Sahel region.

Former Sokoto State Governor and Senator, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, earlier urged residents to remain calm, while Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi criticised the action, warning it could have wider security and sovereignty implications.

As debate intensifies, the ACF’s decision to withhold comment underscores broader calls from northern leaders and stakeholders for accurate information, accountability, and clarity on Nigeria’s evolving security cooperation with foreign allies.

ACF Awaits Full Details Before Commenting on US–Nigeria Airstrikes in Sokoto