KEY POINTS
- At least 10 civilians were killed in the airstrike.
- The operation aimed at the Lakurawa group but missed its mark.
- Authorities pledge to investigate the tragic mistake thoroughly.
At least 10 civilians were killed, and several others injured when a Nigerian military fighter jet mistakenly bombed two villages in Sokoto State on Wednesday.
The military operation targeted armed bandits but instead struck civilians in Gidan Sama and Rintuwa villages, according to Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu.
“The military jets were on a mission to eliminate criminal armed groups terrorizing the state, and mistakenly bombed innocent people of this community,” Aliyu said in a statement.
According to Reuters, the governor pledged to collaborate with relevant authorities to investigate the incident.
Military defends operation amidst rising regional insecurity
The Nigerian military confirmed the airstrikes in the vicinity of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa but did not provide details about civilian casualties.
Officials stated that the operation targeted the Lakurawa group, a new insurgent faction infiltrating northwest Nigeria from Niger and Mali.
Northwest Nigeria has experienced widespread insecurity, with armed groups, Islamist insurgents, and separatist violence affecting various regions.
The deadly airstrike, which occurred around 0500 GMT, highlights the challenges of counterinsurgency operations in densely populated areas.
Sokoto airstrike adds pressure to government efforts
The tragic event comes as Nigeria grapples with rising insecurity and efforts to maintain stability.
Governor Aliyu emphasized the need for accountability and urged the federal government to review strategies to avoid future mistakes.
The incident has drawn attention to the complexities of military operations in areas with a high civilian presence.
The military’s ongoing battle against the Lakurawa group underscores the growing security threats posed by emerging insurgent factions.
