By Bavoriat Clara
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has handed over compensation to victims and families affected by the accidental airstrike that occurred on 25 December 2024 in Gidan Bisa and Rumtuwa communities of Silame Local Government Area, Sokoto State, as part of efforts to promote accountability, transparency and civil–military cooperation.
Delivering the message of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the Chief of Civil–Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, expressed appreciation to the Executive Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, for the warm reception accorded the NAF delegation and for the cordial relationship between the Air Force and the government and people of the state.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the CAS, through his representative, commended Governor Aliyu’s inclusive governance approach and security initiatives under the 9-Point Smart Agenda, particularly the establishment of the Sokoto State Community Guards Corps. He noted that the locally driven security framework has complemented federal efforts in addressing terrorism and banditry, leading to improved security in parts of the state and underscoring the value of strong civil–military collaboration.
Responding, Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto expressed deep appreciation to the Nigerian Air Force for its commitment to the protection and welfare of citizens, as well as its continued role in safeguarding Nigeria’s security and territorial integrity.
Recounting the circumstances surrounding the incident, the CAS explained that the airstrikes were carried out under Operation Fasan Yamma following intelligence reports indicating the movement of suspected armed terrorists through the affected communities. He stated that although the operation was based on multiple intelligence validations, a petition received in April 2025 alleged civilian casualties, prompting a comprehensive investigation.
According to the CAS, the fact-finding exercise confirmed that 13 civilians were unintentionally killed, while eight others sustained varying degrees of injuries. He described the outcome as deeply saddening to the Service and said it necessitated immediate steps to make amends with the affected communities.
Air Marshal Aneke, through his representative, emphasised that since assuming office on 24 October 2025, civilian harm mitigation has remained central to his Command Philosophy. He stressed that the Nigerian Air Force exists primarily to protect the lives and property of Nigerians, noting that no professional military deliberately harms the citizens it is sworn to defend.
He explained that the compensation exercise was aimed at commiserating with the victims, fostering trust, easing tensions, and providing closure to affected families, while also enabling the Service to draw critical lessons to further minimise the risk of similar incidents in future operations.
The CAS further disclosed that the NAF has continued to institutionalise measures to prevent and respond to civilian harm, including the development of the Nigerian Air Force Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (NAF CHMR-AP). He said the framework is designed to strengthen operational planning, enhance assessments and investigations, promote continuous learning, and ensure effective responses whenever civilian harm occurs. He added that the plan is scalable across both kinetic and non-kinetic operations, with the protection and restoration of the civilian environment treated as a key operational priority.
While reaffirming the NAF’s resolve to apply precise and purposeful force in neutralising terrorists and other criminal elements, the Air Force appealed to members of the public to avoid mingling or cohabiting with terrorists and bandits within their enclaves, warning that such associations significantly increase the risk of collateral damage during military operations.
The Nigerian Air Force assured that, in collaboration with other security agencies, it remains fully committed to ending terrorism, banditry, cattle rustling and kidnapping in Sokoto State, the North-West region and across the country.
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