Paragraph 1: Clarification on Civilian Casualties
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) issued a statement on Friday, clarifying the circumstances surrounding the deaths of ten villagers in Sokoto State. Contrary to initial reports, the DHQ asserted that the deaths were not a direct result of an airstrike conducted by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). Instead, the fatalities were attributed to a secondary explosion that occurred at a terrorist logistics base in Lakurawa following the NAF airstrike. The DHQ emphasized the precision-guided nature of the operation, targeting the terrorist hideout with the intention of minimizing collateral damage. The secondary explosion, triggered by the destruction of the base and its volatile contents, tragically resulted in the reported casualties.
Paragraph 2: Nature of the Terrorist Logistics Base
The DHQ provided further details about the targeted logistics base, revealing that it housed a significant quantity of hazardous materials. These materials included hand cartridges, explosives, and other volatile substances. The impact of the precision munitions on this cache of dangerous items caused a series of secondary explosions. The DHQ reiterated that the ten villagers were not directly hit by the airstrike itself but were victims of the ensuing explosions and the resulting debris. The volatile nature of the stored materials contributed significantly to the deadly aftermath of the airstrike.
Paragraph 3: Extensive Pre-Operational Intelligence and Planning
Major-General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, elaborated on the extensive preparations that preceded the operation. He underscored the comprehensive intelligence gathering process, which involved sustained intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions over an extended period. This diligent approach aimed to confirm the presence of terrorists at the location and minimize the risk to civilians. Human intelligence (HUMINT) was also employed, corroborating the ISR findings and confirming the strategic importance of neutralizing the terrorist base at Lakurawa. To avoid civilian casualties, the operation, initially scheduled for an earlier date, was deliberately postponed to the 25th.
Paragraph 4: Coordinated Air and Ground Operations
The operation was meticulously planned as a joint effort, utilizing both air and ground components of the Nigerian military. The air component leveraged its precision strike capabilities, while the land component provided boots on the ground. The operation commenced with pre-operational ISR missions to confirm terrorist activity in the area. Following the confirmation from HUMINT sources, aircraft were dispatched to conduct precision airstrikes on the identified hideouts at approximately 0600 hours on the designated day. This coordinated approach aimed to maximize the effectiveness of the operation while minimizing the risk of civilian casualties.
Paragraph 5: Confirmation of Operation’s Success and Terrorist Activities
Ground forces subsequently confirmed the successful destruction of the terrorists’ key infrastructure and the neutralization of several combatants. Survivors from the terrorist group reportedly fled the area, taking advantage of their familiarity with the terrain. Local community members corroborated intelligence reports, confirming that the targeted location had been utilized by the Lakurawa terrorist group as a staging ground for their operations. This information further validated the strategic importance of the operation in disrupting the group’s activities and degrading their capabilities.
Paragraph 6: Continued Commitment to Counter-Terrorism and Civilian Protection
Major-General Buba reiterated the military’s commitment to continuing its operations against terrorist networks across the country. He emphasized the importance of minimizing harm to civilians and their communities during these operations. He stated that the primary objective of the Lakurawa operation – disrupting the terrorist group’s activities – was achieved, and the impact on surrounding villages was minimal, despite the unfortunate loss of civilian lives due to the secondary explosion. The DHQ stands by its assertion that the operation was conducted with the utmost care to mitigate civilian casualties, and the tragic incident was an unintended consequence of the volatile nature of the targeted terrorist logistics base.
