The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has paid compensation to victims and families affected by an accidental airstrike in Gidan Bisa and Rumtuwa communities of Silame Local Government Area, Sokoto State, which occurred on December 25, 2024.
The compensation was presented on Saturday on behalf of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, by the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet.
He thanked Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, for the cooperation between the state and the Air Force.
Explaining the incident, the CAS said the strike was carried out under Operation Fasan Yamma based on intelligence reports of terrorists moving through the area.
However, a fact-finding investigation later confirmed civilian casualties.
“Thirteen civilians were unintentionally killed, while eight others sustained varying degrees of injuries,” Aneke said, describing the outcome as deeply regrettable.
He stressed that civilian harm mitigation remains 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,” the CAS stated.
According to him, the compensation was meant to show accountability, ease tensions and help affected families find closure, while enabling the Service to draw lessons to prevent future occurrences.
Governor Aliyu, in his response, commended the NAF for its professionalism and concern for civilians, noting that its operations have complemented the state’s security initiatives, including the Community Guards Corps.
The CAS disclosed that the NAF has introduced a Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan to strengthen operational planning, investigations and responses.
He also urged residents to avoid mingling with terrorists and bandits, warning that such associations increase the risk of collateral damage during military operations.
