A Nigerian Air Force airstrike targeting suspected terrorists in Sokoto State’s Silame Local Government Area of Nigeria has reportedly left an unspecified number of villagers dead and several others injured.
The strike occurred around 7 a.m. Wednesday in the communities of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa, located near the Surame Forest, a known hideout for the Lakurawa terrorist group and other bandits. Residents said more than 10 civilians were killed, with many others sustaining injuries during the operation.
Silame LGA Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Daftarana, confirmed the attack but could not provide an exact casualty figure. “The villagers were sitting peacefully when the bombs started dropping on the communities. They were innocent and peace-loving people with no criminal record,” Daftarana said. “It is too early to confirm the exact number of those killed or injured as assessments are ongoing.”
A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, said the airstrike was based on credible intelligence and surveillance targeting Lakurawa militants. He assured the public that reports of civilian casualties would be investigated thoroughly. “The operation was conducted following multiple intelligence sources and confirmatory aerial surveillance. However, we will investigate claims of civilian harm and provide updates as appropriate,” Akinboyewa said.
The Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, reiterated that all military operations are guided by rigorous intelligence to minimize civilian impact. Lt. Col. Abubakar Abdullah, Coordinator of the Joint Media Coordination Centre, stated, “Targets struck in the vicinity of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa were positively identified as associated with the Lakurawa group. Misinformation should be avoided to prevent panic and discrediting military efforts against terrorism and banditry.”
Borno State Attack
In a related incident, insurgents reportedly attacked a Forward Operating Base in the Wajiroko area of Damboa Local Government, Borno State, using drones around 3 p.m. Tuesday. Local sources claimed several troops were injured, with unverified reports suggesting possible fatalities.
Efforts to confirm the Borno attack from military sources, including the spokesperson for Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. A.Y. Jingina, were unsuccessful as calls went unanswered.
