NOT Army Airstrikes: SEE Real Owners Of Powerful Bomb That Killed 10 People In Sokoto On Christmas Day
In the wake of the Christmas Day airstrikes on Lakurawa terrorist hideouts in Sokoto State, Nigeria, the Defence Headquarters yesterday addressed concerns over the death of 10 villagers during the operation.
Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, clarified that the fatalities were not caused by direct strikes from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), but by secondary explosions triggered by the destruction of the terrorists’ logistics base.
On 25 December 2024, a coordinated military operation targeting Lakurawa terrorist dens in Gidan Bisa and Gidan Runtuwa, located within Jirikon Forest in Silame Local Government Area, was launched. The operation involved a joint effort between the Air and Land Components of Operation Fansan Yamma.
General Buba explained that the decision to act followed extensive Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions and Human Intelligence (HUMINT) reports. These indicated heightened terrorist activity in the area and confirmed that the hideouts were being used by the Lakurawa Terrorist Group (LTG) for storing weapons, ammunition, and explosives.
” The operation was originally scheduled for an earlier date but was rescheduled for Christmas Day to ensure thorough confirmation of the targets, ” Buba stated.
At approximately 0600 hours on Christmas morning, precision- guided munitions were deployed in a carefully planned airstrike on the identified hideouts. The Land Component supported the operation by positioning troops around the area to block potential escape routes and to conduct post- strike assessments.
Major General Buba emphasised the care taken to minimise civilian casualties: ” The strike was executed with precision- guided munitions. Pre- operation ISR missions and HUMINT reports corroborated that the area was a terrorist hub. Our efforts were focused on ensuring the safety of civilians while neutralising the enemy. ”
According to the Defence Headquarters, the airstrikes successfully destroyed the terrorists’ hideouts and infrastructure, including arms caches and logistics depots. However, the targeted logistics base contained highly volatile materials such as explosives and hand cartridges. The destruction of this base caused a secondary explosion that resulted in the tragic death of 10 villagers.
General Buba expressed regret over the loss of civilian lives, describing it as an unintended consequence of the operation:
” All civilian casualties are a needless tragedy. However, we remain resolute in our duty to defend Nigerians from terrorist threats. ”
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Post- strike assessments conducted by ground forces confirmed that the primary objective of neutralising the terrorists had been achieved. Troops engaged with locals, who corroborated the presence of Lakurawa terrorists in the area prior to the operation. The successful destruction of terrorist infrastructure was also verified.
The Defence Headquarters reiterated its commitment to protecting civilians while combating terrorism across Nigeria. Major General Buba assured Nigerians that the military would continue to take painstaking measures to avoid civilian casualties in future operations.
” Our Armed Forces will not relent in targeting and dislodging terrorists in every part of the country. We remain vigilant and committed to securing our nation, ” he concluded.
