The Nigerian Air Force has paid compensation to victims and families affected by the accidental airstrike that struck Gidan Bisa and Rumtuwa communities in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State on December 25, 2024.
The compensation followed the outcome of a fact-finding investigation which confirmed that 13 civilians were unintentionally killed, while eight others sustained varying degrees of injuries during an operation targeting suspected terrorists.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by the Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
According to the statement, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, who was represented at the event by the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, expressed regret over the incident and described the findings as deeply saddening.
Aneke explained that the airstrikes were carried out under Operation Fasan Yamma based on intelligence reports indicating the movement of armed terrorists through the affected communities.
However, a petition received in April 2025 alleging civilian casualties prompted a thorough investigation.
“The investigation confirmed that 13 civilians were unintentionally killed and eight others injured. The findings deeply saddened the Service and necessitated urgent steps to make amends,” the Air Chief said.
He stressed that civilian harm mitigation remains central to his command philosophy since assuming office on October 24, noting that the primary responsibility of the NAF is to protect lives and property.
“No professional military deliberately harms the very people it is sworn to defend,” Aneke said, adding that the compensation exercise was aimed at commiserating with victims, promoting accountability and transparency, easing tensions and drawing lessons to prevent a recurrence.
The Air Chief also disclosed that the NAF had institutionalised measures to prevent and respond to civilian harm, including the development of the Nigerian Air Force Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan.
He explained that the framework was designed to strengthen operational planning, improve assessments and investigations, enhance learning and ensure effective responses whenever civilian harm occurs.
Aneke commended Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, for fostering a strong relationship between the state and the military, praising his inclusive development policies and security initiatives under the 9-Point Smart Agenda, particularly the establishment of the Sokoto State Community Guards Corps.
According to him, the governor’s localised security measures have complemented federal efforts in curbing terrorism and banditry, contributing to improved safety across parts of the state.
The Air Chief reaffirmed the NAF’s resolve to apply precise and purposeful force in neutralising terrorists, while appealing to citizens to avoid cohabiting or associating with criminals, warning that such actions increase the risk of collateral damage during military operations.
“Public cooperation remains vital to safeguarding innocent lives as security forces intensify operations nationwide,” he said.
Responding, Governor Aliyu thanked the Nigerian Air Force for its commitment to national security and for taking responsibility to support affected communities, describing the compensation as a demonstration of care for citizens and respect for human life.
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