The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has issued a statement clarifying the circumstances surrounding the recent airstrike incident in Sokoto State, Nigeria, which resulted in the deaths of 10 villagers.
Key Points:
- Secondary Explosion Caused Fatalities: According to the DHQ, the fatalities were caused by a secondary explosion triggered by the destruction of a terrorist logistics base, not by the airstrike itself.
- Precision-Guided Operation: The airstrike was a precision-guided operation targeting a terrorist hideout in the area.
- Terrorist Logistics Base: The base housed dangerous materials, including hand cartridges and explosives, which detonated when struck by the Air Force’s precision munitions.
- Intelligence and Surveillance: The operation was preceded by sustained intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions to confirm terrorist activities in the area.
Statement by the Director of Defence Media Operations:
Maj-Gen. Edward Buba explained that the airstrike hit the logistics base, leading to secondary explosions that caused the casualties. He emphasized that the operation was planned to minimize harm to civilians and their communities.
Reactions:
The clarification by the DHQ comes amid calls for investigation and accountability from various stakeholders, including former Governor Aminu Tambuwal and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Source: Punch
