The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified the circumstances surrounding the tragic deaths of 10 villagers in Silame Local Government Area, Sokoto State, following an airstrike on Christmas Day. According to the DHQ, the fatalities were caused by a secondary explosion from the destruction of a terrorist logistics base and not by direct military airstrikes.
A Precision-Guided Operation
Addressing journalists, Major-General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, emphasized that the Nigerian Air Force conducted a precision-guided strike targeting a hideout of the notorious Lakurawa Terrorists Group (LTG) in the Gidan Bisa and Gidan Runtuwa areas of Jirikon Forest.
“The operation was meticulously planned and executed to minimize collateral damage,” Buba stated. “The airstrike was part of a joint effort between the Air Component and the Land Component of Operation Hadarin Daji to neutralize the terrorists who had been terrorizing the area.”
What Led to the Explosion?
The DHQ revealed that the terrorists’ base housed dangerous materials, including hand cartridges and explosives, which detonated during the airstrike.
“The secondary explosion from these materials was the unfortunate cause of civilian fatalities. The military deeply regrets these casualties, as every civilian life is precious,” Buba explained.
How the Operation Unfolded
1. Intelligence Gathering:
The military conducted extended Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
Human Intelligence (HUMINT) reports confirmed significant terrorist activity in the area, necessitating the operation.
2. Precision Airstrike:
The strike occurred at approximately 6:00 AM, using precision munitions to ensure minimal impact on surrounding areas.
Ground troops were strategically positioned to block the escape routes of terrorists and assess post-strike impacts.
3. Follow-Up Actions:
Ground forces confirmed the destruction of the hideout and interacted with local residents, who verified the presence of terrorists before the operation.
Key terrorist infrastructure, including arms caches and logistics depots, was successfully neutralized.
DHQ’s Commitment to Civilian Safety
General Buba reassured Nigerians that the military remains committed to safeguarding civilian lives while targeting terrorist hideouts.
“Civilians are never the target of our operations. All casualties are viewed as needless tragedies. However, we cannot relent in our mission to rid Nigeria of terrorism,” he said.
Government’s Response
In a related development, the Federal Government has promised justice for the victims, reiterating its support for military efforts to secure the nation.
Meanwhile, DHQ urged journalists and international observers to visit the strike location to verify the absence of deliberate harm to civilians.
A United Front Against Terrorism
“Our common enemy is terrorism,” Buba stated. “The Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians, even in the face of challenging circumstances.”
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