The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has compensated victims and families impacted by the accidental air strike that occurred on December 25, 2024, in Gidan Bisa and Rumtuwa villages, Silame Local Government Area, Sokoto State.
A statement by NAF’s Director of Public Relations, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the move followed a fact-finding investigation confirming that 13 civilians were unintentionally killed and eight others injured during the operation, which targeted suspected terrorists under Operation Fasan Yamma.
Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, Chief of the Air Staff, emphasized that protecting lives remains central to NAF’s mandate and that the compensation aims to provide closure, promote accountability, and prevent future civilian harm.
The Air Force has also institutionalized the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (NAF CHMR-AP) to improve operational planning, assessments, investigations, and responses to civilian incidents.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto praised the NAF for its commitment to citizen protection and lauded ongoing state security initiatives, including the Sokoto State Community Guards Corps, which complement federal efforts against terrorists and bandits.
The CAS appealed to residents to avoid mingling with criminal elements, noting that public cooperation is key to safeguarding innocent lives.