Nigerian Air Force compensate victims of Sokoto accidental air strike

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has handed over compensation to victims and families affected by the accidental air strike of December 25, 2024, in Gidan Bisa and Rumtuwa villages of Silame local government area of Sokoto state.

Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, Chief of Civil-Military Relations, delivered the message of the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Sunday Kelvin Aneke, during the exercise.

Gabkwet thanked Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto state for the warm reception and the sustained relationship between the NAF and the state government.

Speaking on behalf of the CAS, Gabkwet commended the governor’s inclusive development policies and security initiatives under the 9-point smart agenda.

He said the establishment of the Sokoto state community guards corps has complemented federal efforts to curb terrorism and banditry.

Gabkwet said the governor’s localised security measures have improved safety in parts of the state and reinforced the importance of civil-military cooperation.

Responding, Aliyu expressed appreciation to the NAF for its commitment to protecting citizens and safeguarding Nigeria’s security and territorial integrity.

Explaining the incident, Aneke said the air strikes were conducted under Operation Fasan Yamma following intelligence reports of suspected terrorists transiting through the communities.

He said although multiple intelligence checks informed the mission, a petition received in April 2025 alleged civilian casualties.

“A thorough fact-finding investigation confirmed that 13 civilians were unintentionally killed and eight others sustained various degrees of injuries,” he said.

Aneke said the findings deeply saddened the service and necessitated urgent steps to make amends.

He said since assuming office on October 24, 2025, civilian harm mitigation has remained central to his command 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.

Aneke said the compensation exercise was meant to commiserate with victims, promote accountability and transparency, calm tensions and bring closure.

He said the NAF has institutionalised measures to prevent and respond to civilian harm, including the civilian harm mitigation and response action plan.

According to him, the framework is designed to strengthen operational planning, improve assessments and investigations, enhance learning and ensure effective response when harm occurs.

He said the plan applies to both kinetic and non-kinetic operations, with protection of civilians treated as a critical operational consideration.

The NAF appealed to residents to avoid mingling or cohabiting with terrorists and bandits, noting that such associations increase the risk of collateral damage.