In recent years, a troubling pattern has emerged in Nigeria: military airstrikes intended to combat terrorism are increasingly resulting in the tragic deaths and injuries of innocent civilians. These incidents have left entire communities in mourning and have raised serious questions about the accuracy of military operations, the reliability of intelligence, and the commitment to safeguarding civilian lives in conflict zones.
The Kurebe tragedy
In early 2022, the once peaceful Kurebe community in Niger State’s Shiroro Local Government Area became a scene of unimaginable horror. An airstrike aimed at bandits hiding nearby mistakenly struck civilian homes, leading to the deaths and injuries of countless residents, including women and children. Survivors recounted the chaos of that day, describing how they received no warning before bombs fell from the sky. “The bandits left long before the airstrike, but we were the ones who suffered,” lamented one distraught resident, highlighting serious concerns about faulty intelligence.
Communities caught in the crossfire
Not far from Kurebe, other communities in Shiroro have faced similar tragedies. In 2023, airstrikes targeting insurgents resulted in the deaths of over a dozen civilians. Residents began to feel like mere collateral damage in a war that seemed to disregard their lives. Eyewitnesses reported that strikes hit busy marketplaces and homes, places where no known bandits had been spotted. Despite military promises of thorough investigations, there has been little transparency or accountability regarding these tragic events.
The Silame Village Incident
The most recent tragedy occurred in December 2024 in Silame, Sokoto State. Residents were caught off guard when military jets targeted what was believed to be bandit hideouts nearby. Instead of neutralizing threats, bombs devastated civilian homes, killing many and leaving survivors with lifelong scars. In the aftermath, chaos ensued as rescue operations were hindered by fears of further strikes. Villagers described scenes of mangled bodies and wailing children—a haunting reminder that they are trapped between a government fighting against terror and the bandits who threaten their existence.
The Military reaction
Nigerian AirForce spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, had insisted that the airstrike was carried out based on credible intelligence from multiple sources and confirmatory aerial surveillance.
“We’re sorry” – Vice President Shettima reacts
“I would like to extend my deep sympathies and condolences to the Government and people of Sokoto State, particularly families of those who lost their lives in the coordinated joint operation by the air and land components of Operation Fansan Yamma to eliminate Lakurawa terrorist groups at Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities in Silame Local Government Area.
“I must say we are sorry and dismayed at the civilian casualties incurred and the excruciating pain that ensues in these extremely difficult times. I call for understanding, especially when it is considered that our gallant men of the Armed Forces were fighting and paying the supreme price to protect the lives of those caught in the crossfire.
“My thoughts and prayers particularly go out to the relatives of those who perished in the tragic event. May Almighty God ease your pain and grant you the courage and patience to bear the loss.”
“On behalf of our gallant officers, I apologise for this great loss. I urge you to continue to give our brave officers the assistance they need in carrying out their operations to ensure a safer country for all of us.“Let me assure you that the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is hell-bent on weeding out what is left of terror elements in the country and will stop at nothing in ensuring a peaceful Nigeria where farmers work freely in their farms and all Nigerians go about their businesses and other activities without fear of attacks from agents of death.”
Collateral damage or systemic negligence?
The recurring pattern of airstrikes on civilian community points to systemic issues within military operations:
1. Faulty intelligence: Time and again, residents have claimed that targets were outdated or inaccurate, leading to devastating miscalculations.
2. Operational lapses: The absence of precision-guided munitions and inadequate reconnaissance may explain why strikes often hit civilian areas instead of criminal hideouts.
3. Accountability deficit: Despite public outcry, the military rarely shares findings from its investigations or provides adequate compensation to victims.
The human cost
Beyond immediate fatalities, these airstrikes leave deep-seated scars on survivors and their communities. Many face disabilities and trauma while grappling with the loss of homes and livelihoods. Families lose their primary breadwinners; children are left orphaned; entire communities feel abandoned by the state. “The government says they are fighting for us, but who will protect us from their bombs?” questioned a survivor from Silame.
Recommendations for change
To address these pressing issues, several recommendations can be made:
1. Improved intelligence gathering: The military must invest in better intelligence mechanisms to ensure accurate target identification.
2. Adoption of precision weaponry: Utilizing advanced technology can help minimize civilian casualties during airstrikes.
3. Transparent investigations: Each incident should be thoroughly investigated, with findings made public to foster accountability.
4. Community engagement: The military should work closely with local leaders to gain real-time intelligence and build trust within communities.
5. Compensation and rehabilitation: Victims of airstrikes must receive adequate compensation and support to help them rebuild their lives.
While the Nigerian military’s fight against terrorism is crucial, it must not come at the expense of innocent lives. The tragedies in Kurebe, Shiroro, Silame, and other communities serve as stark reminders that a balance must be struck between operational effectiveness and protecting civilian lives.
As military strategies are reassessed, the government must hold those responsible for these errors accountable. Only through such measures can trust be rebuilt between the state and its citizens. Until then, many Nigerians will continue to live in fear, not only from bandits but also from those tasked with their protection.
