The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has delivered a strong caution to civilians about the dangers of sheltering suspected criminals, stating that such actions could lead to severe consequences. His comments followed a tragic incident involving a Nigerian Air Force airstrike on Christmas Day, which mistakenly hit two communities in the Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
General Musa made the statement during his visit to troops of Operation FASAN YANMA at the 8 Division Headquarters in Sokoto. The visit was prompted by the accidental bombing of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities during an operation aimed at targeting Lakurawa terrorists. At least 10 civilians lost their lives, and several others were injured as a result of the misfire.
The incident has drawn widespread calls for accountability and transparency. Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal have all demanded an independent investigation into the circumstances that led to the tragedy.
In his remarks, General Musa emphasized the shared responsibility of communities in maintaining security and warned against harboring criminals. “Harboring suspected criminals, whether they are Lakurawa terrorists or bandits, is unacceptable. Such actions make individuals and their communities legitimate targets,” he stated. “We urge everyone to distance themselves from these elements and report their activities to authorities to avoid unnecessary risks.”
He defended the military’s efforts to minimize collateral damage during operations, stating that measures were in place to ensure precision and accountability. He added that the Nigerian Air Force had video evidence of the operation and assured that an internal review would be conducted to assess what went wrong.
The CDS also appealed to the media, urging them not to provide a platform for bandits or other criminal elements to spread fear or misinformation. He reiterated that the military remained committed to protecting the nation and would not allow foreign military bases on Nigerian soil. Additionally, he called on neighboring countries, including Niger, Chad, and Benin, to collaborate with Nigeria in tackling regional security challenges.
During a luncheon with troops of Operation FASAN YANMA, General Musa praised their bravery and dedication to dislodging Lakurawa terrorists from camps in Sokoto and Kebbi States. He described their efforts as a testament to the military’s resolve to overcome security threats and pledged continued support to sustain the operational momentum across all deployments.
“The coming year presents an opportunity for transformative victories in our operational theatres, especially in Operation FASAN YANMA,” he said, urging the troops to remain resolute in their mission to secure decisive victories. He also visited a military hospital to assess the condition of wounded soldiers receiving treatment.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu also visited the affected communities of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa to assess the damage firsthand and offer condolences to the victims’ families. He announced a donation of ₦20 million and 100 bags of assorted food items to provide immediate relief to the grieving families.
“This heartbreaking event, caused by an accidental misfire from the Nigerian Army, has claimed the lives of innocent citizens and left several others injured,” Governor Aliyu stated in a message shared on X.com. “On behalf of the government and the people of Sokoto State, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost loved ones. We also pray for the swift recovery of those injured in this unfortunate incident.”
The governor further assured the public that he was in constant communication with the leadership of the Nigerian Army to ensure a comprehensive investigation into the incident. “The state government will take all necessary steps to support the affected families and collaborate with relevant authorities to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future,” he added.
Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed the incident in a statement on X.com, stating, “Over 10 persons have been reported dead as a result of the bomb released in two communities in Silame Local Government Area, Sokoto State. The bomb, intended to target Lakurawa terrorists, instead landed in Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the tragedy as “a stark reminder of the need for precision and accountability in military operations.” He joined other prominent voices in calling for a thorough investigation to determine the root causes of the incident and to prevent future occurrences.
The Sokoto State Government has pledged to support affected families in organizing funeral arrangements and covering medical bills for injured victims. Governor Aliyu emphasized the importance of learning from the incident and working closely with the military to improve operational strategies to avoid unintended casualties in future missions.
