NAF compensates Sokoto Airstrike victims, reaffirms commitment to civilian safety

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has handed over compensation to victims and families affected by the accidental airstrike that occurred on December 25, 2024, in Gidan Bisa and Rumtuwa communities of Silame Local Government Area, Sokoto State, reaffirming its commitment to civilian protection and the fight against terrorism and banditry.

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, thanked the Sokoto State Government for its warm reception and sustained cooperation with the Nigerian Air Force.

Air Vice Marshal Gabkwet commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto for his inclusive development policies and security initiatives under the state’s 9-Point Smart Agenda, particularly the establishment of the Sokoto State Community Guards Corps. He noted that the Governor’s proactive, community-based security approach has complemented federal efforts in curbing terrorism and banditry, thereby strengthening civil-military relations and improving security across parts of the state.

In his response, Governor Ahmed Aliyu expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Air Force for its professionalism, compassion and continued dedication to protecting lives and property, as well as safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

Explaining the circumstances surrounding the incident, the CAS stated that the airstrike was conducted under Operation Fasan Yamma based on intelligence reports indicating the movement of suspected terrorists through the affected communities. However, following a petition received in April 2025 alleging civilian casualties, a comprehensive fact-finding investigation was launched.

“The investigation confirmed that 13 civilians were unintentionally killed, while eight others sustained varying degrees of injuries,” the CAS said, noting that the outcome deeply saddened the Service and prompted immediate steps to address the situation.

Air Marshal Aneke, through his representative, stressed that since assuming office on October 24, 2025, civilian harm mitigation has remained central to his command philosophy.

“The Nigerian Air Force exists primarily to protect the lives and property of Nigerians. No professional military deliberately harms the very people it is sworn to defend,” he said, explaining that the compensation exercise was aimed at expressing empathy, ensuring accountability and transparency, easing tensions, and drawing lessons to prevent a recurrence.

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). According to him, the framework strengthens operational planning, improves assessments and investigations, promotes continuous learning and ensures timely response whenever civilian harm occurs, across both kinetic and non-kinetic operations.

While reaffirming the NAF’s resolve to apply precise and purposeful force against terrorists and other criminal elements, the Air Force appealed to citizens to avoid mingling or cohabiting with terrorists and bandits, warning that such associations increase the risk of collateral damage during military operations.

The Nigerian Air Force reiterated its unwavering commitment, in collaboration with other security agencies, to ending terrorism, banditry, cattle rustling and kidnapping in Sokoto State, the North-West region and across the country.