The Nigerian Air Force has disbursed compensation to residents of two Sokoto communities affected by an accidental air operation carried out late last year, marking a formal step toward restitution and closure.
Those impacted are families in Gidan Bisa and Rumtuwa, both located in Silame Local Government Area, where a December 25, 2024, airstrike led to civilian casualties during a counterterrorism mission.
Details of the compensation exercise were confirmed in Abuja on Sunday by the Air Force’s spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, who described the move as part of the service’s accountability process.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, acknowledged the Sokoto State Government for sustaining constructive engagement between security forces and host communities.
Moreover, Aneke praised Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s security-focused development agenda, noting that initiatives such as the Sokoto State Community Guards Corps have strengthened intelligence sharing and local vigilance.
According to the air chief, these community-driven efforts have complemented federal security operations, helping to reduce terrorist and bandit activities in parts of the state.
He added that effective civil-military cooperation remains critical to lasting stability in the North-West.
Explaining the circumstances of the incident, Aneke said the airstrike was conducted under Operation Fasan Yamma after intelligence suggested that armed terrorists were moving through the affected areas.
However, he noted that a formal complaint submitted in April 2025 raised concerns about civilian harm, prompting a comprehensive internal review.
“Findings from the investigation confirmed that 13 civilians lost their lives, while eight others suffered injuries,” he said.
“This outcome was deeply distressing for the Service and required immediate remedial action.”
Aneke further stated that civilian protection has been central to his leadership approach since assuming office in October, stressing that safeguarding non-combatants remains a core military obligation.
“No professional air force sets out to harm the population it exists to defend,” he said, adding that the compensation was intended to acknowledge the loss, ease community tensions, and reinforce institutional transparency.
Furthermore, the air chief disclosed that the NAF is expanding its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan, a framework designed to improve operational assessments, investigations, and learning across missions.
He explained that the plan applies to both combat and non-combat operations, ensuring that civilian safety and environmental restoration are treated as essential operational priorities.
While reaffirming the Air Force’s determination to neutralise terrorist networks, Aneke urged residents to avoid close association with armed groups.
“Living alongside terrorists significantly raises the risk of unintended harm during security operations,” he said. “Public cooperation is essential to protecting innocent lives.”
In response, Governor Ahmed Aliyu commended the Nigerian Air Force for its willingness to accept responsibility and engage affected communities, describing the compensation as a demonstration of professionalism and concern for citizens’ welfare.
He added that the state government would continue to support collaborative security measures aimed at restoring peace across Sokoto and neighbouring areas.