The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, says it will launch a holistic investigation into airstrikes on two villages in Sokoto.
Sunrise recalls that a fighter jet mistakenly bombed two communities in the Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Wednesday morning.
Locals said the incident, which occurred around 7:00 am at Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities in Silame LGA claimed the lives of 10 civilians and left many other people injured.
Animals were also reportedly killed, with residents saying some of their houses were destroyed by the impact of the airstrikes.
The locals said the fighter jet was targeting Lakurawa terrorists in the areas, but in the process, dropped explosives on some innocent people.
A statement by the joint media coordinator for the operation, Abubakar Abdullahi, said the airstrikes targeted locations confirmed to be associated with the Lakurawa terrorist group.
According to him, all military operations are based on thorough intelligence and reconnaissance missions to ensure precision and protect civilian lives.
“These reports have raised concerns; however, it is crucial to clarify that all military operations are conducted based on thorough intelligence and reconnaissance missions,” the statement reads.
Racting, the NAF spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, insisted that the airstrikes were carried out based on credible intelligence from multiple sources and confirmatory aerial surveillance.
He, however, assured that reports of civilian casualties would be thoroughly investigated.
“The airstrikes were conducted based on credible intelligence from multiple sources, along with confirmatory aerial surveillance. Nevertheless, reports of possible harm to civilians will be thoroughly investigated and we will update you appropriately,” he said.
