Investigation confirms 13 civilian deaths, 8 injuries from December 2024 incident
The Nigerian Air Force has provided compensation to victims and families affected by an accidental airstrike that killed civilians in Sokoto State on 25 December 2024, though specific compensation amounts were not disclosed.
Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, Chief of Civil-Military Relations, announced the compensation during a visit to Sokoto on Sunday. He explained that the process began after a petition was filed in April 2025, prompting a thorough investigation.
The inquiry revealed that 13 civilians died and eight others sustained injuries when a NAF aircraft mistakenly struck Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa villages in Silame Local Government Area. The operation had targeted suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group under “Operation Fansan Yamma” in Nigeria’s North-west region.
“The outcome of the investigation deeply saddened the Service,” Gabkwet stated, representing Chief of Air Staff Sunday Aneke. He emphasized that the findings made it necessary for the air force to “take responsibility and make amends.”
Initially, military officials had described the victims as associates of Lakurawa, a terror group operating primarily in Kebbi and Sokoto states with disputed affiliations to either al-Qaeda-linked JNIM or Islamic State in the Sahel.
Gabkwet praised Sokoto Governor Ahmed Aliyu for maintaining strong partnership with the military and commended his security initiatives, including the Community Guards Corps that supports federal counterterrorism operations.
The air force official stressed that civilian protection remains paramount. “No professional military deliberately harms the very people it is sworn to defend,” he said, noting that Civilian Harm Mitigation has been a priority since the current air chief assumed office in October.
The force highlighted its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan while cautioning citizens against associating with terrorists, warning such proximity increases collateral damage risks.
Governor Aliyu commended the air force for demonstrating professionalism and described the compensation as evidence of “a responsible and people-centred military.”
Ongoing Concerns
Nearly a year passed between the Sokoto incident and this compensation. Meanwhile, similar tragedies continue—the air force allegedly killed civilians in two December 14 airstrikes in Borno State’s Kukawa area, destroying 10 vehicles. Casualty figures remain uncertain, and Borno State officials say the air force has not responded to inquiries about that incident.
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