Horrific Errors In Military Operations Leave Dead In The North—Communities Call For Reparation

Horrific Errors In Military Operations Leave Dead In The North—Communities Call For Reparation

Amid intensified counter-terrorism efforts, accidental airstrikes by the Nigerian military have tragically claimed the lives of at least 528 civilians between 2017 and December 2024, according to findings…Horrific Errors In Military Operations Leave Dead In The North—Communities Call For Reparation

from Saturday ireporteronline.

Of the reported casualties, 341 occurred under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s leadership, while 187 deaths have been recorded in four key incidents during President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The majority of these incidents, spanning from September 2017 to 2023, resulted in the death of over 425 innocent lives, including women and children, from military misfires.

Sokoto’s Tragedy: Government Calls for Accountability

The Sokoto accidental bombing, resulting in avoidable civilian deaths, sparked public outrage. The state’s governor expressed disbelief, calling for urgent accountability and action to prevent future tragedies.

Timeline of Devastating Incidents

Notable incidents include:

• January 17, 2017: A Nigerian Air Force jet mistakenly bombed an IDP camp in Rann, Borno State, killing 52 people.
• April 9, 2019: Six airstrikes in Zamfara State killed 11 and injured 20 civilians.
• September 16, 2021: A NAF strike killed 9, including 3 children, near the Niger border.
• December 3, 2023: A drone strike on Tudun Biri, Kaduna, killed between 85 and 127 villagers during a religious celebration.

In 2024, the airstrikes continued to devastate local communities, with an April bombing killing 33 civilians in Zamfara and a September attack killing 24 in Kaduna.

The Call for Compensation and Justice

Despite repeated incidents, no compensation has been provided to the victims of the December 2023 airstrike in Kaduna. This has raised concerns, especially following the bombings in Sokoto and Zamfara.

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has demanded an end to these accidental bombings, calling on the Federal Government to ensure transparent compensation and military accountability.

Retired Military Experts Weigh In

Retired military officers have emphasized that poor coordination, faulty intelligence, and inadequate target identification are major causes of these tragic errors. Experts have urged the military to enhance training, adhere strictly to operational guidelines, and prioritize precision in their airstrikes.

The Road Ahead: A Call for Reform

As 2025 approaches, there is a pressing need for reforms in military operations to prevent further civilian casualties. These incidents have not only eroded public confidence in counter-terrorism efforts but have also highlighted the urgent need for a more effective, compassionate response to ensure the safety of innocent lives caught in the crossfire of national security operations.

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