In a recent operation in Sokoto State, Nigeria, the Nigerian military conducted airstrikes targeting the Lakurawa Terrorist Group (LTG). The operation, which took place on December 25th, aimed to neutralize the terrorists and destroy their key infrastructure, including arms caches and logistics dumps.
According to Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, the airstrikes achieved their primary objective of neutralizing the terrorists. However, a “secondary explosion” caused by the destruction of the terrorists’ munitions led to the tragic deaths of about 10 people and injuries to six others. The military emphasized that these casualties were not a direct result of the airstrikes but rather from the secondary explosions.
The operation was part of a coordinated effort between the Air Component and the Land Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA. The targeted hideouts were located in Gidan Bisa and Gidan Runtuwa in the Jirikon Forest, Silame local government area of Sokoto State. Villagers confirmed that the Lakurawa terrorists had been using the area as a staging ground for their operations.
Despite the success of the operation in terms of its primary objectives, the military expressed regret over the civilian casualties. Major General Buba stated that efforts are ongoing to determine whether the victims were terrorist collaborators. He also assured that the military would continue to take painstaking measures to avoid civilian casualties in future operations.
This incident highlights the complexities and unintended consequences of military operations in conflict zones. While the primary goal of neutralizing terrorist threats is crucial for national security, the loss of civilian lives underscores the need for careful planning and execution to minimize collateral damage.
