The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has paid compensation to victims and families affected by the accidental airstrike of December 25, 2024, in Gidan Bisa and Rumtuwa villages, Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, said the exercise followed a fact-finding investigation into the incident carried out under Operation Fasan Yamma.
He said intelligence at the time indicated the movement of suspected terrorists through the area, but a petition received in April 2025 led to further review. The investigation confirmed that 13 civilians were unintentionally killed, while eight others were injured.
Gabkwet said the compensation was meant to acknowledge the harm caused, promote accountability and help bring closure to the affected communities. He added that civilian harm mitigation remains a priority under the current NAF leadership.
The CAS also disclosed that the Air Force has developed a Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan to strengthen operational planning, investigations and response when civilian harm occurs.
The NAF urged residents to avoid associating with terrorists and bandits, warning that such proximity increases the risk of harm during military operations.
It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting civilians while continuing operations against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.
Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, thanked the NAF for the compensation and its role in supporting security efforts in the state.
