The Nigerian Air Force has paid compensation to victims and families affected by the accidental airstrike that occurred in Gidan Bisa and Rumtuwa villages of Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
This was disclosed in a press statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on behalf of the Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Kelvin Aneke.
According to the statement, the compensation was handed over during a visit led by the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, who conveyed the CAS’s message and appreciated Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, for the warm reception and sustained cooperation between the state and the Nigerian Air Force.
The CAS, through his representative, commended the governor’s security initiatives under the 9-Point Smart Agenda, particularly the establishment of the Sokoto State Community Guards Corps, noting that the measures have supported federal efforts in tackling terrorism and banditry in the state.
Governor Aliyu, in his response, thanked the Nigerian Air Force for its commitment to protecting citizens and maintaining national security, describing the compensation exercise as a demonstration of responsibility and care for affected communities.
Explaining the incident, the statement said the airstrike was carried out on December 25, 2024, under Operation Fasan Yamma, following intelligence reports of terrorist movement in the area. However, a petition received in April 2025 prompted a detailed investigation, which confirmed that 13 civilians were unintentionally killed, while eight others sustained injuries.
The CAS expressed regret over the incident and said the compensation was aimed at showing empathy, promoting accountability, easing tensions and helping the affected families find closure. He stressed that civilian harm mitigation remains central to his command philosophy since assuming office on October 24, 2025.
The statement added that the Nigerian Air Force has developed a Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan to strengthen operational planning, investigations and response whenever civilian harm occurs.
While reaffirming its resolve to eliminate terrorists and bandits, the NAF appealed to residents to avoid mingling with criminal elements, warning that such actions increase the risk of collateral damage during military operations. The Air Force assured Nigerians of its continued commitment to ending terrorism and banditry in Sokoto State, the North-West and across the country.
