The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has disbursed compensation to victims and families impacted by a tragic accidental airstrike in Sokoto state. The military operation, which occurred on December 25, 2024, resulted in civilian casualties in the communities of Gidan Bisa and Rumtuwa villages, located in the Silame Local Government Area.
Investigation Confirms Civilian Casualties
A formal military investigation was launched following a petition received in April 2025. The probe conclusively found that the airstrike, conducted under Operation Fasan Yamma, unintentionally led to the death of 13 civilians and left eight others with various injuries. The Air Force stated that the findings deeply saddened the service and prompted immediate action to address the consequences.
The compensation exercise was announced in a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame. During the event in Sokoto, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, who was represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, outlined the purpose of the payments.
Promoting Accountability and Preventing Future Harm
Air Marshal Aneke emphasized that the compensation was a critical step towards several goals:
- Commiserating with the victims and their families.
- Promoting accountability and transparency within the armed forces.
- Calming tensions within the affected communities.
- Bringing a measure of closure to the tragic incident.
He reiterated that the NAF does not deliberately harm the citizens it is sworn to protect and highlighted that civilian harm mitigation has been central to his command philosophy since he assumed office on October 24.
New Measures and Community Appeals
In a significant move to prevent repeat occurrences, the Air Force disclosed that it has institutionalized a Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan. This framework is designed to enhance operational planning, assessments, investigations, and response mechanisms during military engagements.
The air chief also appealed to residents in conflict zones to avoid cohabiting or mingling with criminal elements, a situation he noted increases the risk of collateral damage during counter-terrorism operations. He reaffirmed the NAF's commitment to applying precise force while neutralizing terrorists.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State, responding during the event, thanked the Nigerian Air Force for its commitment to accountability. He praised the force for standing with citizens in their moment of grief and reaffirmed the state government's continued partnership with all security agencies to restore lasting peace. The governor's 9-Point Smart Agenda and the establishment of the Sokoto State Community Guards Corps were specifically commended by the NAF for complementing federal security efforts.
This development occurs amidst broader calls from human rights organizations like Amnesty International for greater transparency and independent investigations into military airstrikes across northern Nigeria over the past eight years.
