In a tragic turn of events, an airstrike by the Nigerian military targeting the Lakurawa insurgent group in Sokoto State mistakenly killed at least 10 civilians. The incident occurred on Christmas Day when the air force aimed to neutralize a logistics base of the insurgents in the Silame area. According to Nigerian defense spokesperson Edward Buba, the civilians were not directly hit by the munitions but died from “secondary explosions” caused by the destruction of the insurgents’ munitions.
The Lakurawa insurgent group, which infiltrated Nigeria following a wave of coups in neighboring countries, initially gained local support by helping communities defend against armed cattle rustlers. However, the group later sought to impose strict Islamic laws across border communities. The Nigerian military’s efforts to dislodge the insurgents have been ongoing, but this incident highlights the complexities and risks involved in such operations.
Airstrikes on civilians are not uncommon in Nigeria. Last year, an army drone attack mistakenly targeted a religious gathering, resulting in the deaths of at least 85 civilians. Since 2017, approximately 400 civilians have been killed by accidental military strikes, according to SBM Intelligence, a Lagos-based security firm.
The Nigerian military has been battling various insurgent groups, including Boko Haram, which launched an insurgency in 2009 to establish its radical interpretation of Islamic law in the region. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of at least 35,000 people and the displacement of more than 2 million, creating a humanitarian crisis with millions in dire need of foreign aid.
This latest incident underscores the urgent need for improved precision and intelligence in military operations to prevent further civilian casualties and ensure the safety of innocent lives.
