On Christmas Day, a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) operation targeting Lakurawa terrorists in Sokoto State tragically struck two civilian communities, killing at least 10 people and injuring several others. The incident occurred in Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa villages in Silame Local Government Area, near Surame Forest, a known hideout for terrorists and bandits.
Eyewitnesses reported that the airstrike began around 7 a.m. while villagers were engaged in peaceful holiday activities. Malam Yahya, a resident of Silame, described the devastation, stating, “The villagers were sitting peacefully when the bombs started dropping on the communities. Several were killed, and many sustained injuries.”
The Chairman of Silame Local Government, Abubakar Daftarana, expressed deep shock at the loss of life. “These were innocent, peace-loving people with no criminal ties,” he said. However, he noted that the final death toll and number of injured residents were still being assessed.
Military Response
The Nigerian Air Force confirmed the operation, explaining that it was based on credible intelligence and surveillance. Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, NAF spokesperson, acknowledged reports of civilian casualties and promised a thorough investigation.
“The airstrikes were carried out following intelligence from multiple sources and aerial surveillance. Nonetheless, any claims of civilian harm will be fully investigated, and the findings shared,” Akinboyewa said.
Similarly, Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullah, Coordinator of the Joint Media Coordination Centre for Operation Fansan Yamma, defended the military’s precision-based approach to targeting terrorists. He urged the public to rely on verified information to avoid spreading misinformation that could undermine military efforts.
Attack on Borno Military Base
In a related development, terrorists attacked a Forward Operating Base in Wajiroko, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, on December 23. Using armed drones equipped with locally fabricated grenades, the insurgents injured five soldiers and damaged a gun truck.
According to military sources, the first assault, launched around 1 p.m., involved mortars and firearms but was repelled by troops. However, shortly after, the insurgents launched a second, more coordinated attack using multiple drones.
A military signal indicated that observers spotted up to four drones during the attack. The injured soldiers received first aid and were awaiting evacuation to the 25 Brigade Field Ambulance for further treatment. Despite the attacks, troop morale and combat readiness remained high, according to the report.
Leadership Condemns Terrorist Activities
Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa condemned unpatriotic Nigerians who engage in trading or transactions with terrorists. Speaking during a visit to patients at the Defence Headquarters Medical Centre in Abuja, Musa warned that such actions sabotage national security and could have dire personal consequences.
“If we do not encourage them or trade with them, they will not survive. Trading with terrorists and bandits is not only sabotaging military efforts but also endangering lives,” Musa stated. He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful Nigeria in 2025.
Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede spent Christmas with troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Maiduguri, commending their dedication to the fight against insurgency. He praised their recent successes in counterinsurgency operations, which have led to the deaths and capture of numerous terrorists in Borno State and the broader North-East region.
President Bola Tinubu has pledged to enhance military capacity through the provision of modern arms and equipment, with the goal of ending terrorism and banditry swiftly.
Community and State Support
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum lauded the military’s efforts and pledged continued support for counterinsurgency operations. Represented by Secretary to the State Government Bukar Tijjani, Zulum announced a cash donation of N2 million to injured frontline soldiers.
Investigations into the Sokoto airstrike are ongoing, with Nigerians calling for better precision in military operations to prevent civilian casualties. The government and military leadership are focused on improving operational strategies to ensure safety and security across the nation.
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