The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has paid compensation to victims and families affected by the accidental airstrike that occurred on 25 December 2024 in Gidan Bisa and Rumtuwa communities of Silame Local Government Area, Sokoto State, reaffirming its commitment to civilian protection and accountability.
Speaking during the handover, the Chief of Civil–Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, who represented the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, conveyed the NAF’s appreciation to the Sokoto State Government for its cooperation and enduring partnership.
He commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto for his inclusive governance and security initiatives under the 9-Point Smart Agenda, particularly the establishment of the Sokoto State Community Guards Corps, which he said has complemented federal security efforts in combating terrorism and banditry.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu, in his response, expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Air Force for its concern for the welfare of citizens and its continued sacrifices in protecting lives, property, and Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
Recounting the incident, the CAS explained that the airstrike was carried out under Operation Fasan Yamma based on intelligence indicating the movement of suspected terrorists through the affected communities.
However, following a petition received in April 2025 alleging civilian casualties, a comprehensive investigation was conducted. The findings confirmed that 13 civilians were unintentionally killed, while eight others sustained injuries.
Air Marshal Aneke noted that civilian harm mitigation has remained central to his command philosophy since assuming office on 24 October 2025.
He stressed that the compensation exercise was aimed at demonstrating accountability, easing tensions, providing closure to affected families, and drawing lessons to prevent similar incidents in future operations.
The CAS further disclosed that the NAF has institutionalised safeguards through the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (NAF CHMR-AP), a framework designed to improve operational planning, investigations, learning, and response mechanisms whenever civilian harm occurs.
While reaffirming the NAF’s resolve to decisively neutralise terrorists and criminal elements, the Service appealed to citizens to avoid associating or cohabiting with terrorists and bandits, warning that such proximity increases the risk of collateral damage during military operations. The NAF reiterated that public cooperation remains critical as security forces intensify operations across the country.
The Nigerian Air Force assured Nigerians of its continued commitment, alongside other security agencies, to ending terrorism, banditry, cattle rustling, and kidnapping in Sokoto State, the North-West region, and nationwide.
