The Nigerian Armed Forces says it did not target innocent persons during an air raid on the Lukuwara terrorist group on Wednesday in Sokoto state.
The rebuttal followed reports that 10 villagers were killed in Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities during the bombing by the Nigerian Airforce, under Operation Hadarin Daji.
Dozens of other villagers were also believed to have sustained serious injuries during the airstrike, as Nigerians advise the military to avoid collateral damage when carrying out such operations.
Speaking, Abubakar Abdullahi, the joint media coordinator of Operation Hadarin Daji said in a statement on yesterday that the airstrike only targeted the terrorists, and not innocent villagers as being claimed, adding that such reports were meant to blackmail the military.
According to Abudullahi, the airstrike was carried out following ‘thorough intelligence’ by the military that the terrorists were in the area.
He explained that the clarification became necessary following the disinformation being peddled in the public against the Armed forces, adding however that the incident will be thoroughly investigated to ascertain whether innocent persons were injured during the airstrike.
He said, “These reports have raised concerns; however, it is crucial to clarify that all military operations are conducted based on thorough intelligence and reconnaissance missions.
“Importantly, the targets struck in the vicinity of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa have been positively identified as associated with the Lakurawa group, reinforcing the justification for the military action taken.”
