By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Air Force has paid compensation to victims and families affected by the accidental air strike that occurred on 25 December 2024 in Gidan Bisa and Rumtuwa communities of Silame Local Government Area, Sokoto State, as it reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to civilian protection while sustaining operations against terrorism and banditry.
The compensation was formally handed over during a high-level engagement with the Sokoto State Government, in a move the Air Force described as part of its responsibility to promote accountability, transparency and trust with the civilian population.
In an official statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, delivered the message of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke. He conveyed the CAS’ appreciation to the Executive Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, for the warm reception accorded the delegation and for the enduring relationship between the Nigerian Air Force and the Government and people of Sokoto State.
Speaking on behalf of the CAS, Air Vice Marshal Gabkwet commended Governor Aliyu’s inclusive development policies and security initiatives under the 9-Point Smart Agenda, with particular reference to the establishment of the Sokoto State Community Guards Corps. He noted that the Governor’s proactive, community-based approach to security has complemented federal efforts in countering terrorism and banditry, contributing to improved safety in parts of the state and underscoring the importance of strong civil-military cooperation.
Responding, Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto expressed deep appreciation to the Nigerian Air Force for what he described as its consistent commitment to the protection and welfare of citizens, as well as its critical role in safeguarding Nigeria’s security and territorial integrity. He noted that the compensation exercise further demonstrated the Air Force’s sense of responsibility and humanity in the conduct of its operations.
Recounting the circumstances surrounding the incident, the Chief of the Air Staff explained that the air strikes were carried out under Operation Fasan Yamma, following intelligence reports indicating the movement of suspected armed terrorists through the affected communities. He disclosed that although multiple intelligence checks informed the operation, a petition received in April 2025 alleged civilian casualties, prompting a comprehensive review.
“A thorough fact-finding investigation confirmed that 13 civilians were unintentionally killed, while eight others sustained varying degrees of injuries,” the CAS stated, adding that the outcome of the investigation deeply saddened the Service and made it imperative to take immediate steps to make amends.
Air Marshal Aneke, through his representative, stressed that since assuming office on 24 October 2025, Civilian Harm Mitigation has remained central to his Command Philosophy. He emphasised that the Nigerian Air Force exists primarily to protect the lives and property of Nigerians, noting that no professional military deliberately targets the very people it is sworn to defend.
According to him, the compensation exercise was intended to commiserate with the affected families, promote healing, reduce tension within the communities, and bring a sense of closure, while also enabling the Service to draw critical operational lessons aimed at preventing a recurrence.
The CAS further disclosed that the Nigerian Air Force has continued to institutionalise robust measures to prevent and respond to civilian harm, including the development of the NAF Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan. He explained that the framework is designed to strengthen operational planning, improve assessments and investigations, enhance continuous learning, and ensure prompt and effective response whenever civilian harm occurs.
He added that the plan is scalable and applicable across both kinetic and non-kinetic operations, with the protection and restoration of the civilian environment treated as a critical operational consideration.
While reaffirming the Air Force’s resolve to apply purposeful and precise force in neutralising terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements, the Nigerian Air Force appealed to citizens to desist from mingling or cohabiting with terrorists and bandits within their enclaves, warning that such associations significantly increase the risk of collateral damage during military operations.
The statement stressed that public cooperation remains vital to safeguarding innocent lives as security forces intensify operations nationwide, assuring that the Nigerian Air Force, in collaboration with other security agencies, remains fully committed to ending terrorism, banditry, cattle rustling and kidnapping across Sokoto State, the wider North-West region and the country as a whole.
