Sokoto airstrike: Nigerian Air Force compensates families of 13 civilians
By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Nigerian Air Force has paid compensation to victims and families affected by the accidental airstrike that occurred on December 25, 2024, in Sokoto State.
Those affected are residents of Gidan Bisa and Rumtuwa communities in Silame Local Government Area.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
Speaking during the compensation exercise, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, who was represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, thanked the Sokoto State Government for sustaining cordial relations between the Air Force and local communities.
He praised Governor Ahmed Aliyu for his inclusive development approach and security initiatives under the 9-Point Smart Agenda, with specific reference to the creation of the Sokoto State Community Guards Corps.
According to him, the governor’s community-based security efforts have strengthened federal operations against terrorism and banditry, improved safety in parts of the state and underscored the value of effective civil-military cooperation.
Aneke explained that the airstrike was carried out under Operation Fasan Yamma following intelligence reports that suspected armed terrorists were moving through the affected areas.
He said the operation followed several intelligence checks, but a petition submitted in April 2025 later raised concerns about civilian casualties.
“A thorough fact-finding investigation confirmed that 13 civilians were unintentionally killed and eight others sustained various degrees of injuries.
“The findings deeply saddened the Service and necessitated urgent steps to make amends,” he said.
The air chief stated that since he assumed office on October 24, the prevention of civilian harm has remained central to his leadership philosophy.
He stressed that the Nigerian Air Force exists to protect lives and property, adding that no professional military intentionally targets the people it is mandated to defend.
According to him, the compensation exercise was designed to console the affected families, promote transparency and accountability, ease tensions and bring closure, while also allowing the service to draw lessons to reduce the chances of similar incidents in the future.
Aneke revealed that the Air Force has continued to put structures in place to prevent and address civilian harm, including the introduction of the NAF Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan.
He said the framework is intended to strengthen operational planning, improve assessments and investigations, encourage continuous learning and ensure prompt response whenever civilian harm occurs.
He added that the plan applies to both kinetic and non-kinetic operations, with the protection and restoration of the civilian environment recognised as a key operational priority.
The air chief reaffirmed the Air Force’s commitment to the precise and deliberate use of force against terrorists and criminal groups.