Nigerian AirForce has launched a comprehensive investigation into airstrikes on two villages in Sokoto on Wednesday.
Residents said the incident, which occurred around 7am at Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities in Silame Local Government Area (LGA), claimed the lives of 10 civilians and left many others injured.
Animals were also killed whilst residents claimed that some of their houses were destroyed by the impact of the airstrikes.
According to the residents, the fighter jet was targeting Lakurawa terrorists in the areas, but in the process, mistakenly dropped explosives on some innocent people.
But, in a statement, the joint media coordinator for the operation, Lt. Col. Abubakar Abdullahi, said the airstrikes targeted locations confirmed to be associated with the Lakurawa terrorist group.
Abdullahi stressed that all military operations are based on “thorough intelligence and reconnaissance missions” to ensure precision and protect civilian lives.
The statement read, “These reports have raised concerns; however, it is crucial to clarify that all military operations are conducted based on thorough intelligence and reconnaissance missions.”
NAF spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, insisted the airstrikes were carried out based on credible intelligence from multiple sources and confirmatory aerial surveillance.
But he 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,” Akinboyewa said.