Nigerian Navy Denies Accountability for Civilian Casualties in Sokoto Airstrikes
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Abuja has clarified its place on the latest airstrikes in Silame Native Authorities Space, Sokoto State, the place “about 10 individuals” reportedly died. The strikes, performed on Wednesday morning, had been meant to focus on the Lakurawa terrorist group but in addition resulted in civilian casualties within the affected communities, Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa.
DHQ Attributes Deaths to Secondary Explosions
Addressing the incident throughout a briefing on Friday, Main Basic Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, defined that the civilian deaths had been attributable to “secondary explosions” from the terrorists’ logistics base, not direct airstrikes.
“One of many targets was a logistics base of the terrorists, which included armed caches and poles. When the munition hit, it brought about secondary explosions, main to things flying within the air, which resulted within the reported deaths,” mentioned Buba.
He burdened that the airstrikes had been exact and confirmed to have instantly focused and neutralized members of the Lakurawa terrorist group, describing the casualties among the many terrorists as “burned past recognition.”
Navy Carried out Thorough Affirmation
Buba outlined the steps taken to confirm the targets earlier than the operation. Human intelligence confirmed the presence of the Lakurawa terrorist group on the location earlier than precision munitions had been deployed in a coordinated operation involving the Air Power and floor troops.
“After the strikes, the land forces moved to the positioning and confirmed that the target was hit,” he added.
Civilian Casualties Spark Considerations
Regardless of the navy’s rationalization, the deaths and accidents amongst civilians have continued to generate reactions from Nigerians. Critics have questioned the measures taken to mitigate collateral harm throughout such operations.
Burial and Aftermath
The civilians killed within the airstrikes had been reportedly buried in accordance with Islamic rites. The incident underscores the challenges confronted in counter-terrorism operations, notably in areas the place terrorist actions and civilian populations intersect.
Whereas the navy insists the operation was profitable in focusing on terrorists, the unintended lack of civilian lives stays a big concern for affected communities and human rights advocates.
