The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has warned civilians harbouring suspected criminals to desist from such acts or face the consequences of their actions.
He stated this during his visit to the troops of Operation FASAN YANMA at 8 Division Headquarters in Sokoto.
The CDS said this in response to the Christmas day bombing of civilians in two communities in the Silame Local Government by the Nigerian Air Force.
An airstrike, intended to neutralise Lakurawa terrorists, mistakenly hit Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities, killing at least 10 villagers and leaving several others wounded.
However, Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Sokoto governor, Aminu Tambuwal, have called for an impartial investigation into the incident.
But speaking to journalists on the accidental bombing, Musa hinted that the villagers were to blame for allegedly harbouring terrorists, insisting that the military would not take any responsibility for attacks on any community hobnobbing with the militants.
He stated, “I want to call on everyone not to harbour any suspected criminals in their midst, be it Lakurawa or Bandits, they should expose them and leave their vicinity.
“The military is not going to take it lightly with any criminals disturbing the peace of the nation, we are dealing with them and we are coming for the rest.
“We have individuals that still harbour them and once you do that you are making yourself a legitimate target. We will appeal, do not harbour them, do not live with them to avoid being a legitimate target.
“Please, do not hang around them, do not give them any support in whatever ways because once you do that, you are making yourself a target.’’
He added, “The incident that happened yesterday was an operation we did, we follow up and we try as much as we can to avoid any mistakes; if there are other mistakes that came up in the operation, we will investigate.
“We did our homework, we have the video of everything that happened and we are going to investigate”.
While calling on the media not to give the bandits or other criminal elements much publicity, the CDS said the country would not allow any foreign military base on Nigerian soil.
He called Niger, Chad, Benin and other neighbouring countries to cooperate with Nigeria in dealing with the enemies of peace.
Speaking to the troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA, during the luncheon, he said, “I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to every one of you for your unwavering dedication and sacrifices in ensuring the safety and security of Nigeria, particularly in your deployment to the Joint Task Force Northwest Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
“Despite the inherent challenges, your daily commitment to duty in the field remains a source of inspiration to us all and further exemplifies the true spirit of patriotism required for defeating the threats to our nation’s peace and stability.’’
“The recent deployment of the Special Operations Brigade and some combat enablers to dislodge and eliminate the Lakurawa terrorists from their camps in Sokoto and Kebbi States, and the successes so far achieved is a testament to our commitment to resolving and combating all security threats across the theatres of operations.
“Accordingly, and under my leadership, the Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to sustain its operational tempo and posture across military deployments both home and abroad,” he reassured.
He encouraged the troops to gear up for the challenges ahead by ensuring victory across all the theatres of operations.
“The coming year presents us with an opportunity to make significant progress in overcoming the challenges confronting our nation.
“Together, we must strive to ensure that the Year 2025 is marked by transformative victories in all our operational theatres, particularly in Operation FANSAN YAMMA,” he noted.
The CDS pledged the necessary support and resources to the troops to carry out their tasks effectively.
Musa later visited the military hospital to check on some troops receiving treatment.
Meanwhile, Governor Aliyu has visited the Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities to assess the damage and offer condolences to the victims’ families.
The governor announced a donation of N20 million and 100 bags of assorted food items for the grieving families.
The National Emergency Management Agency disclosed this in a statement on X.com on Thursday.
The statement read, “Over 10 persons have been reported dead as a result of the bomb released in two communities of Silami Local Government Area in Sokoto State.
“The bomb which was launched by a fighter jet was meant to attack the Lakurawa terrorist in the area but landed in Gidan Bisa and Runtawa communities.
“The Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu in the company of Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamako among other stakeholders visited the affected communities to see for himself and condoled with the families of the victims and members of the communities.”
In a separate statement on X.com late Wednesday, Aliyu conveyed his condolences to the families who lost loved ones in the attack, describing the event as “heartbreaking” and an “avoidable loss of life.”
His statement partly read, “This heartbreaking event, caused by an accidental misfire from the Nigerian Army, has claimed the lives of innocent citizens and left several others injured.
“As your governor, I am deeply saddened by this avoidable loss of life. On behalf of the government and the people of Sokoto State, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. We also pray for the swift recovery of those injured in this unfortunate incident.”
“The donation is intended to provide financial support for funeral arrangements and medical bills for those still recovering in hospitals due to their injuries,” he wrote.
Aliyu also reassured the public that he is in constant communication with the leadership of the Nigerian Army to ensure a full investigation into the circumstances that led to the tragedy.
“The state government will take all necessary steps to support the affected families and collaborate with relevant authorities to prevent such incidents from happening again in the future,” he added.
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 elections, Atiku Abubakar, condemned the airstrike that claimed the lives of civilians and left others injured in Sokoto State.
Reacting to the incident in a post via his X handle on Thursday, Atiku described the airstrike as devastating, outrageous and condemnable.
The former Vice President stated that the indiscriminate killing of innocent citizens can never be justified, describing it as a failure and a gross violation of humanity.
He wrote, “The devastating airstrike that claimed the lives of nearly a dozen innocent civilians and left many others wounded in the peaceful communities of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa in Sokoto State is an outrage that must be condemned in the strongest terms.
“But this tragedy begs the question: What have we truly learnt from the heart-wrenching losses of the past? On December 3, 2023, tens of innocent lives were lost in a brutal airstrike on a religious gathering at Tudun Biri, near Kaduna. How many more lives must be lost before we take action?
“While targeting terrorists is a legitimate goal, these strikes must be carried out with unmatched precision and based on irrefutable intelligence. The indiscriminate killing of innocent citizens — our brothers, our sisters, our neighbours— can never be justified. It is not only a failure but a gross violation of humanity itself.”
Senator Tambuwal in a statement extended his deepest sympathy to the grieving families and pledged solidarity with the people of Silame during this difficult time.
“This tragedy has not only robbed families of their loved ones but also caused immense suffering in these communities.
“The victims of this airstrike were innocent, hardworking citizens with no involvement in criminal activities. It is deeply upsetting that they should bear the brunt of such a tragic mistake,” he said.
He further expressed his condolences to the government and people of Sokoto State, stating, “During this painful time, my thoughts are with you as you cope with this devastating loss. May you find strength and comfort as you navigate these trying circumstances.”
While acknowledging the need to combat the threats posed by groups like Lakurawa and armed bandits, Tambuwal emphasised the crucial importance of conducting military operations with the utmost care, precision, and accountability.
“The loss of civilian lives during operations intended to protect us is unacceptable and must be thoroughly investigated,” he declared.
He called on the relevant authorities to conduct a comprehensive and impartial inquiry into the incident and ensure that justice is served for the victims and their families.
The senator urged all stakeholders to prioritize the safety and security of citizens and strengthen measures to prevent such devastating mistakes in the future.
He added, “In this challenging time, let us come together as a nation to support the affected families and work towards restoring peace, stability, and security in our communities. May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may the injured recover swiftly.”
