Nigerian Air Force Compensates Victims of Accidental Sokoto Airstrike

The Nigerian Air Force has handed over compensation to victims and families affected by the accidental airstrike carried out on 25 December 2024 in Gidan Bisa and Rumtuwa villages of Silame Local Government Area, Sokoto State.

The compensation was presented during a visit by senior officials of the air force to the state, alongside Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto. The development was disclosed in a statement posted on the Nigerian Air Force’s official Facebook page on Sunday, although the exact details of the compensation were not made public.

The airstrike occurred during a military operation targeting suspected Lakurawa terrorists under the joint security mission known as Operation Fansan Yamma in the North-west. At least 10 civilians were reported killed during the operation, a claim that generated public concern at the time. A military spokesperson had initially described those killed as associates of the Lakurawa group.

Lakurawa is a terrorist group operating mainly in Sokoto and Kebbi states, with experts divided over its affiliation, as some link it to the al-Qaeda-aligned Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, while others believe it is connected to Islamic State in the Sahel.

Speaking during the compensation exercise, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, said the action followed a petition submitted to the air force in April 2025. He explained that the petition prompted a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

According to him, the investigation confirmed that 13 civilians were unintentionally killed, while eight others sustained varying degrees of injuries. He described the findings as deeply saddening and said the air force considered it necessary to take responsibility and make amends.

Mr Gabkwet, who represented the Chief of Air Staff, noted that the Nigerian Air Force exists to protect lives and property and does not deliberately harm civilians. He added that civilian harm mitigation has remained a key priority of the air force leadership since the current Chief of Air Staff assumed office in October.

He also highlighted institutional measures such as the Nigerian Air Force Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan, while assuring that the service would continue to apply precise force against criminal elements. Citizens were also advised to avoid mingling or cohabiting with terrorists, as such associations increase the risk of collateral damage.

Mr Gabkwet praised Governor Aliyu for the warm reception and commended the Sokoto State Government for its cooperation with the military, noting that local security initiatives such as the Community Guards Corps have complemented federal efforts against terrorism and banditry.

In his remarks, Governor Aliyu applauded the air force for what he described as professionalism, transparency, and compassion. He said the compensation demonstrated a responsible and people-centred military.

The compensation comes about a year after the Sokoto incident, even as concerns persist over similar occurrences. In December, reports emerged of accidental airstrikes in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, where civilians, including fishermen and commercial drivers, were reportedly affected. The Borno State Government has said it is yet to receive a response from the air force regarding those incidents.