The Defence Headquarters has clarified that the deaths of 10 villagers in Sokoto State were not the result of an airstrike carried out by the Nigerian Air Force, but rather due to a secondary explosion at a terrorist logistics base. The statement was made on Friday by Maj-Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, during a briefing in Abuja.
Maj-Gen. Buba explained that the airstrike was a precision-guided operation targeting a terrorist hideout in the Lakurawa area. The airstrike successfully struck the terrorists’ logistics base, leading to secondary explosions caused by the detonation of dangerous materials stored at the site, including hand cartridges and explosives.
“The casualties reported were not directly caused by the airstrike, but by the secondary explosions triggered by the destruction of the logistics base,” Buba said. He emphasized that the airstrike was part of a well-coordinated operation that included extensive intelligence gathering, which confirmed the presence of terrorists in the area.
Buba further detailed the nature of the logistics base, noting that it housed a variety of dangerous materials. “When precision munitions hit the base, it led to secondary explosions. These explosions scattered debris, which caused the tragic loss of life,” he stated.
The operation, which had been rescheduled for strategic reasons, involved a thorough intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) effort, and human intelligence (HUMINT) over an extended period to confirm the identity of the terrorists. “The operation was initially set for an earlier date, but was postponed to ensure that civilian casualties were minimized,” Buba said.
The joint military operation, conducted on the 25th, utilized both air and land forces to neutralize key terrorist infrastructure. The airstrike targeted the identified hideouts at approximately 0600 hours, with ground forces later confirming the destruction of several terrorist combatants and critical infrastructure. Despite the successful strike, some survivors managed to flee the area, taking advantage of their knowledge of the terrain.
Buba also highlighted that locals in the community had confirmed that the Lakurawa area had been used by the terrorists as a staging ground for their operations, reinforcing the strategic importance of the mission.
The Defence Headquarters reassured the public that the military remains committed to dismantling terrorist networks while minimizing harm to civilians. Buba concluded by stressing that the primary objectives of the operation were achieved, with minimal impact on surrounding villages.
“The operation’s primary objective was achieved, and the impact on surrounding villages was minimal,” Buba affirmed.
Comments