An airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force, intended to target Lakurawa terrorists, tragically disrupted Christmas celebrations in Sokoto State, resulting in civilian casualties.
The PUNCH reported that an eyewitnesses account revealed that the operation, conducted on Christmas morning, mistakenly struck two communities in Silame Local Government Area, killing at least 10 villagers and injuring several others.
The affected communities, Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa, are situated near the Surame forest, a known hideout for the Lakurawa terrorist sect and bandits.
Residents described the incident as devastating, with bombs raining down unexpectedly.
Malam Yahya, a local resident, recounted the ordeal, “The airstrike occurred around 7am on Christmas Day, disrupting what should have been a peaceful holiday. No fewer than 10 villagers were killed, with several others sustaining varying degrees of injuries during the airstrike aimed at the terrorists.”
The Chairman of Silame Local Government Area, Abubakar Daftarana, expressed shock at the tragedy, “The villagers were sitting peacefully when the bombs started dropping on the communities. They were innocent and peace-loving people who had no criminal record. It is too early to confirm the number of people either killed or injured because we are still assessing the development.”
While the Sokoto State Police Command declined to comment, citing that the operation was outside their jurisdiction, the Nigerian Air Force pledged a thorough investigation into the unintended casualties.
The NAF spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, explained, “The airstrikes were conducted based on credible intelligence from multiple sources, along with confirmatory aerial surveillance. Nevertheless, reports of possible harm to civilians will be thoroughly investigated, and we will update you appropriately.”
The Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansan Yamma also defended the operation, stating it was carried out after rigorous intelligence and reconnaissance missions.
Coordinator of the Joint Media Coordination Centre, Lt Col. Abubakar Abdullah, emphasized the precision measures taken, “Given the serious nature of these operations, the public is urged to rely on confirmed information to prevent misinformation and unnecessary panic. The targets struck in the vicinity of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa have been positively identified as associated with the Lakurawa group, reinforcing the justification for the military action taken.”
Meanwhile, insurgents escalated their tactics in Borno State by launching a coordinated attack using armed drones against a Forward Operating Base in Wajiroko, Damboa Local Government Area.
The assault occurred on December 23 and left five soldiers injured, with unconfirmed reports suggesting possible fatalities.
The insurgents initially attacked the base using mortars and firearms. While this assault was repelled by the troops, the attackers regrouped, deploying armed drones equipped with improvised grenades.
A military signal detailing the incident revealed, “At approximately 13:00 hours on 23 December 2024, Forward Operating Base Wajiroko in Damboa Local Government Area came under attack by suspected terrorists. The attackers initially launched the assault using mortars and other firearms, but troops stationed at the base successfully repelled the assault, forcing the terrorists to withdraw in disarray.
“Shortly after, at around 13:23 hours, the base was targeted again in a coordinated attack using multiple armed drones equipped with locally fabricated grenades. Observers at the base reported spotting up to four distinct armed drones during the attack.”
The injured soldiers were given first aid and are awaiting evacuation for further medical care. Equipment damage included a gun truck, but the overall situation remains under control, with troop morale reported as stable.
Efforts to reach relevant military spokespersons for further comments proved unsuccessful at the time of this report.
