Military authorities have responded to allegations of a military fighter jet bombing civilian communities in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State, providing detailed clarifications regarding the incident.
The controversy arose after reports surfaced of an airstrike on Wednesday targeting the Lakurawa terrorist group in the region. Unfortunately, the operation allegedly resulted in the bombing of two communities, Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa, where many villagers are feared dead, with several others reportedly injured.
Malam Yahya, a resident of Silame, shed light on the proximity of the affected villages to Surame Forest, a known stronghold for the Lakurawa terrorist group and other bandits who have terrorized the area. The forest is considered a hub of criminal activity, making it a significant focus for military operations.
In response to the allegations, Abubakar Abdullahi, the joint media coordinator for the operation, issued an official statement. He clarified that the airstrikes were carefully directed at locations positively identified as associated with the terrorist group. Abdullahi emphasized that all military operations are meticulously planned, involving rigorous intelligence gathering and reconnaissance to ensure accurate targeting and minimize civilian harm.
The statement reads, “These reports have understandably raised public concerns; however, it is crucial to clarify that all military operations are conducted based on comprehensive intelligence and reconnaissance missions to ensure precision targeting and safeguard civilian lives.
“This rigorous process is particularly critical when dealing with groups like the Lakurawa terrorist organization, as it helps to eliminate threats while minimizing collateral damage to the local population. The specific targets in the vicinity of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa were positively identified as linked to the Lakurawa group, which justifies the military action taken in the area.
“It is also important to acknowledge that terrorist groups often engage in disinformation campaigns to discredit military successes and erode public trust. As such, caution is advised when evaluating unverified claims, particularly in the complex battle against terrorism and banditry.”
Adding to the clarification, the Spokesperson for the Nigerian Air Force, Olusola Akinboyewa, confirmed to TheCable that the airstrikes were executed based on credible intelligence derived from multiple sources, including confirmatory aerial surveillance. This multi-layered approach aims to ensure the accuracy of operations and reduce the likelihood of civilian casualties.
Akinboyewa stated, “While the strikes were based on verified intelligence and surveillance, reports of potential harm to civilians will not be overlooked. A thorough investigation into these claims will be conducted, and findings will be communicated appropriately to the public.”
The military’s reassurances come amidst widespread concern over the safety of civilians in conflict zones, as well as the need for increased transparency in operations aimed at combating terrorism and banditry.
