THE Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has formally acknowledged civilian casualties arising from an accidental airstrike carried out in parts of Sokoto State and has handed over compensation to victims and families affected by the incident, reaffirming its commitment to accountability, transparency, and the protection of innocent lives.
The airstrike occurred on 25 December 2024 in Gidan Bisa and Rumtuwa communities of Silame Local Government Area, during a counterterrorism operation conducted under Operation Fasan Yamma.
In a statement sent to News Point Nigeria on Sunday, the Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, confirmed that a high-powered delegation of the Air Force visited Sokoto State to deliver compensation to the affected communities.
The delegation was led by the Chief of Civil–Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, who conveyed the message of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar Aneke.
According to the statement, the compensation exercise followed a comprehensive internal investigation that confirmed that civilians were unintentionally harmed during the operation.
Recounting the circumstances surrounding the airstrike, the CAS explained that the mission was executed based on intelligence reports that indicated the movement of suspected armed terrorists through the affected communities.
“Although the operation was based on multiple intelligence sources and verification processes, a petition received in April 2025 alleged civilian casualties,” Aneke said.
“A thorough fact-finding investigation subsequently confirmed that 13 civilians were unintentionally killed, while eight others sustained varying degrees of injuries.”
The Air Force described the outcome of the investigation as deeply saddening and expressed regret over the loss of innocent lives.
“The Nigerian Air Force does not take the loss of civilian lives lightly. This tragic outcome compelled us to take responsibility and make amends to the affected families and communities,” the CAS stated.
Aneke noted that the compensation was not merely financial but symbolic, aimed at commiserating with the victims, easing tensions, restoring trust, and providing a sense of closure to grieving families.
He stressed that since assuming office on 24 October 2025, civilian harm mitigation has been central to his leadership philosophy.
“The Nigerian Air Force exists primarily to protect the lives and property of Nigerians. No professional military deliberately harms the very people it is sworn to defend,” he said.
The CAS added that lessons drawn from the incident would strengthen future operations and help prevent a recurrence.
As part of broader reforms, Aneke disclosed that the Air Force has institutionalised the Nigerian Air Force Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (NAF CHMR-AP).
The framework, he explained, is designed to enhance operational planning, improve damage assessments and investigations, strengthen institutional learning, and ensure timely responses whenever civilian harm occurs.
“The plan is scalable across both kinetic and non-kinetic operations and places the protection of civilians and environmental restoration at the heart of military decision-making,” he said.
During the visit, the NAF delegation paid a courtesy call on Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, who commended the Air Force for its professionalism, sense of responsibility, and concern for the welfare of citizens.
Governor Aliyu described the compensation exercise as a demonstration of accountability and a reflection of the NAF’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
The CAS, in turn, expressed appreciation to the governor for the warm reception and praised Sokoto State’s inclusive development policies and security initiatives under the 9-Point Smart Agenda, particularly the establishment of the Sokoto State Community Guards Corps.
According to Aneke, the community-based security outfit has complemented federal security operations and contributed to improved safety in parts of the state by helping curb terrorist and bandit activities.
While reaffirming the Air Force’s resolve to deploy precise and purposeful force against terrorists and criminal elements, the Service appealed to citizens to avoid cohabiting or associating with terrorists and bandits.
Such associations, it warned, significantly increase the risk of collateral damage during military operations.
The NAF emphasised that public cooperation remains vital as security forces intensify operations across the country.