Nigeria, Dec. 26 -- One of the areas targeted by a US airstrike in Sokoto State, north-west Nigeria, is a "primary route" for terrorists and is most likely to have led to the death of many of them, a local official said on Friday.

The airstrike targeted areas believed to be hideouts of terrorists along the Nigeria-Niger border in Sokoto State, the official said.

The Chairman of Tangaza Local Government Area, Isa Salihu, told PREMIUM TIMES in a telephone interview that the strike hit a known hub for insurgents. However, Mr Salihu noted that casualty figures remain unconfirmed pending a formal security briefing.

"That area serves as their primary route when entering from the Niger Republic," Mr Salihu explained. "They frequent these zone...