Sokoto Airstrikes Target Bandit Hideouts, No Civilian Casualties Confirmed
Reports of alleged airstrikes on innocent villagers in Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa, two communities in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State, have been debunked as false.
Contrary to claims of civilian casualties, intelligence sources revealed that the strikes were precise military operations targeting hideouts of the Lakurawa bandits, notorious for terrorizing the region.
Abandoned Communities Turned Bandit Enclaves
Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa, previously abandoned by residents due to persistent banditry, had been repurposed as strongholds for criminal activities. Intelligence gathered over weeks, coupled with independent reconnaissance, confirmed the locations as active bandit hideouts before the operation was launched.
Prioritizing Precision and Avoiding Collateral Damage
A source involved in the operation explained the meticulous approach:
“We received consistent intelligence from the Sokoto State Government and security agencies. Independent surveillance confirmed the targets to avoid collateral damage. Precision is always our priority in air operations.”
The airstrikes were described as a calculated effort to dismantle the Lakurawa bandits’ network, with no reported impact on civilians.
Local Authorities Respond
The Chairman of Silame Local Government Area, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Daftarana, acknowledged the airstrikes but refrained from confirming any civilian casualties, citing ongoing assessments.
Further investigations corroborated that the areas targeted were uninhabited by civilians and exclusively used as bandit enclaves. No reports of burials, missing persons, or civilian injuries were received by local authorities.
A Clear Message to Criminal Elements
The successful operation underscores the Nigerian military’s commitment to dismantling banditry in the region while ensuring the safety of innocent civilians. The strike sends a strong message to criminal elements attempting to exploit abandoned communities as hideouts.
