The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has provided clarification on the December 25 military airstrikes in Sokoto State, which reportedly led to the deaths of 10 civilians. While the airstrikes targeted the Lakurawa terrorist group and their logistics base, a secondary explosion resulted in unintended civilian casualties.
The Military’s Explanation
At a press conference in Abuja, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, explained that the operation was based on extensive intelligence and reconnaissance efforts. According to him, the airstrikes were part of a joint operation involving both air and land forces aimed at neutralizing a high-value terrorist hideout.
Gen. Buba detailed the following key points:
- Targeted Operation:
The airstrike focused on a logistics hub used by the Lakurawa terrorists.
Secondary explosions caused by the strike led to the reported casualties.
- Intelligence and Planning:
The operation followed prolonged intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, which confirmed heightened terrorist activity in the area.
Human intelligence corroborated the ISR findings, confirming the strategic importance of the target.
- Execution:
Precision-guided munitions were used to minimize collateral damage.
Ground troops were deployed to block escape routes and assess the strike’s impact.
- Post-Strike Assessment:
Ground forces confirmed the successful neutralization of the terrorist hideout and destruction of key infrastructure.
Locals acknowledged that the area was a known staging ground for terrorist operations.
Civilian Casualties
The DHQ acknowledged the loss of civilian lives, attributing it to the secondary explosions. Gen. Buba emphasized the military’s efforts to minimize harm, noting that terrorists often blend with local populations, complicating operations.
“We painstakingly made sure that we minimized civilian casualties in this strike,” he said, reiterating that the primary objective was to target terrorists, not innocent citizens.
Nigerian Air Force’s Response
Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, spokesperson for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), assured the public that a thorough investigation into the incident would be conducted. He emphasized that all military operations are guided by strict adherence to minimizing civilian harm.
Looking Ahead
The military pledged to refine its operational strategies to prevent future incidents of civilian casualties. While reaffirming its commitment to eradicating terrorism, the DHQ and NAF assured Nigerians that the findings of the investigation would be made public.
This incident underscores the complexities of counter-terrorism operations in densely populated areas, where distinguishing between civilians and militants remains a significant challenge.
