The Defence Headquarters has clarified that the deaths of 10 villagers in Sokoto State were not directly caused by an airstrike from the Nigerian Air Force, but rather by a secondary explosion that occurred at a terrorist logistics base.
Maj-Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, addressed journalists in Abuja, stating that the airstrike was a precision-guided operation aimed at a terrorist hideout. He explained that the fatalities were a result of a secondary explosion triggered by the destruction of the terrorists’ base, which contained dangerous materials such as hand cartridges and explosives.
Buba emphasized that the airstrike successfully hit the logistics base, leading to these secondary explosions, which caused the reported casualties. He noted that precautions were taken, including extensive intelligence and reconnaissance efforts, to confirm the presence of terrorists and to minimize human casualties.
The operation, initially scheduled for an earlier date, was postponed to ensure safety. Buba confirmed that the operation effectively destroyed key terrorist infrastructure and neutralized several combatants, while survivors from the terrorist group fled the area.
He reiterated the military’s commitment to dismantling terrorist networks while striving to protect civilians.
