Explosion in Sokoto: Nigerian Military Headquarters says Terrorists’ Materials, Not Airstrikes, Caused Civilian Deaths

The Nigerian Military Headquarters (NMQ) has clarified the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of villagers in Sokoto State, asserting that the fatalities were not caused by airstrikes but by secondary explosions triggered by terrorists’ materials. Addressing the media, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen. Edward Buba, explained that the operation conducted on December 25, 2024, was a carefully planned precision strike targeting the Lakurawas Terrorist Group (LTG) in Silame Local Government Area.

According to Maj-Gen. Buba, the operation involved a coordinated effort between the Air Component and the Land Component of Operation Fansan Yamma. Preceding the operation, intelligence gathering efforts, including extensive Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, confirmed the presence of terrorists in the targeted areas. The strike was deliberately rescheduled to ensure maximum accuracy and effectiveness while minimizing collateral damage.

Secondary Explosions from Terrorists’ Materials Led to Fatalities

Maj-Gen. Buba emphasized that the deaths occurred due to a secondary explosion caused by the detonation of hazardous materials stored in the terrorists’ logistics base. He revealed that the base contained explosive devices, including hand cartridges and other dangerous materials, which ignited when struck by the Air Force’s precision-guided munitions.

“The airstrike was executed with precision-guided munitions, minimizing collateral damage,” he stated. “Following the strike, ground forces confirmed that the terrorists’ hideout was successfully neutralized. Unfortunately, the explosion of their stored materials led to the unintended civilian fatalities.” Maj-Gen. Buba reiterated the Nigerian military’s commitment to avoiding civilian casualties and underscored the tragic nature of such incidents.

Comprehensive Pre-Strike Intelligence Confirmed Target Validity

The operation was grounded in extensive intelligence to ensure its validity. Maj-Gen. Buba detailed the measures taken by the Nigerian military, including prolonged ISR missions and corroboration through Human Intelligence (HUMINT). These efforts confirmed the strategic importance of the targeted hideouts at Gidan Bisa and Gidan Runtuwa in Jirikon Forest.

“Reports consistently indicated that the hideouts were high-concentration terrorist locations,” he stated. “The Air Component’s precision strikes were complemented by the Land Component, which provided immediate post-strike assessment and follow-up actions. Ground forces engaged with locals who confirmed the presence of the Lakurawas Terrorist Group in the area, further validating the operation’s objectives.”

Nigerian Military Vows to Continue Anti-Terror Efforts

The DHQ reiterated its resolve to protect Nigerian citizens from terrorism through all available means. Maj-Gen. Buba assured that every measure would be taken to prevent civilian casualties during future operations. He also acknowledged the Nigerian military’s responsibility to address the tragic aftermath of such incidents.

“All civilian casualties are viewed as a needless tragedy,” Maj-Gen. Buba remarked. “However, the Nigerian military will not relent in its mission to dislodge terrorists and neutralize threats to national security.” He highlighted the success of the operation in destroying critical terrorist infrastructure, including arms caches and logistics bases, as evidence of the Nigerian military’s effectiveness in combating insurgency.

As the Nigerian military continue their operations, they emphasize the importance of collaboration with local communities and intelligence gathering to ensure precision and minimize harm to innocent lives.

Villagers Reject Nigerian Military’s Narrative

Days after a tragic incident claimed at least 10 lives in Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities in the Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State, villagers have openly refuted the Defence Headquarters’ (DHQ) claims. The Nigerian military attributed the casualties to secondary explosions from terrorists’ explosives targeted during an airstrike on Christmas Day.

Residents and local leaders have instead described the victims as innocent farmers with no ties to terrorism. Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad, the Local Government Chairman, expressed deep sadness over the incident, insisting that those killed were law-abiding citizens. “It is unfortunate that this happened. We want justice for the victims. These were innocent farmers, not terrorists,” Muhammad stated during a meeting with grieving families at the LG headquarters.

Eyewitness Accounts Paint a Grim Picture

Multiple eyewitnesses provided harrowing details of the attack, contradicting the military’s claims. Faruk Abubakar, a resident, recounted how the strike occurred early in the morning as villagers gathered after prayers. “We saw the aircraft flying low before it dropped explosives. The fire spread quickly, killing many instantly and leaving others injured,” he said.

Another villager, Hauwa’u, shared her traumatic experience, describing how she witnessed her parents and three younger siblings perish in the fire. “I saw them burning right in front of me,” she lamented. Several other survivors narrated similar stories, highlighting the devastation of homes, food stores, and livestock in the attack.