The Nigerian military has refuted claims that its recent airstrikes in the Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State targeted civilians, asserting that the operation was directed at members of the Lakurawa terrorist group.
Reports emerged on Wednesday that airstrikes conducted by the air component of Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD) had mistakenly killed over 10 villagers and injured several others in Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities.
However, in a statement on Thursday, Abubakar Abdullahi, the joint media coordinator for OPHD, emphasized that the operation was based on “thorough intelligence and reconnaissance missions” aimed at ensuring precision and protecting civilian lives.
“These reports have raised concerns; however, it is crucial to clarify that all military operations are conducted based on thorough intelligence and reconnaissance missions,” Abdullahi said.
“This rigorous process is particularly important when targeting groups like the Lakurawa terrorist organisation, as it aims to ensure precision and protect civilian lives.”
Abdullahi also suggested that disinformation efforts by terrorist groups could be aimed at undermining the military’s successes in the fight against terrorism and banditry.
He maintained that the targets struck near Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa were positively identified as associated with the Lakurawa group.
Despite the military’s defense, local sources claim the airstrikes led to the deaths of innocent villagers.
A source within the community said the strikes, which occurred around 7 a.m. on Wednesday, hit Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa, both situated near the Surame Forest—a known hideout for Lakurawa terrorists and bandits.
“No fewer than 10 villagers were killed, with several others sustaining various degrees of injuries during the airstrikes,” the source, who requested anonymity, said.
Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad, chairman of the Silame Local Government Area, confirmed the incident but said an assessment of the casualties and damage was ongoing.
“The villagers were sitting peacefully when the bombs started dropping on the communities.
“They are innocent and peace-loving people who had no criminal record,” Muhammad said.
“It is too early to confirm the number of people either killed or injured because we are still assessing the development.”
In response to the allegations of civilian casualties, Olusola Akinboyewa, spokesperson for the Nigerian Air Force, confirmed that the airstrikes were based on credible intelligence and aerial surveillance.
He assured the public that any reports of harm to civilians would be thoroughly investigated.
“Reports of possible harm to civilians will be thoroughly investigated, and we will update you appropriately,” Akinboyewa said.
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