JUST IN: Nigerian Military Breaks Silence on Reports of Bombing Civilians in Sokoto

• Reports making the rounds on Wednesday claimed that a fighter jet targeting Lakurawa terrorists hit civilians
• The Sokoto state police command reacted and the chairman of Silame LGA, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Daftarana, confirmed that the unfortunate incident claimed 10 lives and left several villagers injured
• But the Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullah, Coordinator of the Joint Media Coordination Centre, Operation Fansan Yamma, has reacted and clarified the Nigerian Military stance

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

On Wednesday, December 25, the Nigerian Army, through the Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansan Yamma, has called on Nigerians to rely on verified information to prevent misinformation and unnecessary panic regarding its operations.

Fighter jet reportedly bomb civilians in Sokoto

Lt. Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, Coordinator of the Joint Media Coordination Centre for Operation Fansan Yamma, made this appeal in a statement issued late Wednesday.

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Many feared dead as fighter jet targeted at Lakurawa terrorists reportedly bombs Sokoto communities

Recall that a fresh tragedy reportedly occurred in two villages in Sokoto state on Wednesday.

A fighter jet targeted at Lakurawa terrorists reportedly killed many villagers and left several others injured in Silame local government area.

The Sokoto state police command reacted and the chairman of Silame LGA, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Daftarana, confirmed the unfortunate incident.

Army reacts to bombing of civilians in Sokoto

But in a statement released on Wednesday, the army countered the reports alleging that a military fighter jet bombed civilian structures in Sokoto state.

Lt. Col. Abdullahi clarified that all military operations are conducted following rigorous intelligence gathering and reconnaissance missions.

As reported by The Nation, he emphasized that these measures are critical, particularly when targeting terrorist groups like the Lakurawa organization, to ensure precision and protect civilian lives.

“There is a significant risk that terrorist groups may exploit media disinformation to undermine military successes,” Abdullahi stated.

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“This necessitates caution regarding unverified claims, especially in the ongoing fight against terrorism and banditry.”

The statement further noted that the targets struck in the Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa areas were confirmed to be associated with the Lakurawa terrorist group, justifying the military’s actions.

The Army reassured the public of its commitment to safeguarding lives while conducting operations against terrorism and banditry in the region.

Read more about the Nigerian Military here:

• Lakurawa: Tinubu’s govt takes fresh action amid terrorists’ scourge in Kaduna, other northern states
• Military destroys 37 illegal refineries in Southern Nigeria, recovers 130,000 litres of stolen crude
• Troops kill 13 IPOB members, arrest kidnappers

Lakurawa: Tinubu told how to tackle new terrorist group

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Sheikh Ahmad Gumi urged President Bola Tinubu-led federal government to establish a special paramilitary to tackle the new terrorist group, Lakurawa sect, in the North.

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Gumi, a prominent Islamic scholar, stated this while speaking on the recent expansion of the sect in the northern region.

The cleric maintained that the ideology of the group was yet to be known, adding that their recent attack was similar to other religious sects in the Sahel region.

Source: Legit.ng