THE Nigerian Air Force, as a key arm of the Armed Forces, performs critical roles in counter-insurgency operations. However, in recent years, a troubling pattern has emerged: frequent accidental bombings of communities that result in significant civilian casualties.
A Nigerian Air Force airstrike, intended to neutralise Lakurawa terrorists, marred last Christmas celebrations in Sokoto State as it mistakenly hit two communities in Silame LGA. The bombing claimed the lives of at least 10 villagers and left several others wounded, the latest in a string of devastating misjudgements by military fighter planes in recent years.
The affected communities, Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa are located near the Surame forest, a known hideout for the Lakurawa sect and bandits.
NAF spokesperson, Olusola Akinboyewa (an air vice-marshal), stated that the operation was conducted based on credible intelligence and surveillance. That is blatant nonsense.
These incidents not only bring untold grief to affected families but also erode public trust in the military.
No fewer than nine erroneous bombings of civilians have been carried out by the military since 2017, without any officials being held responsible. This is unacceptable.
In September 2023, a bombing occurred in Yobe State, where civilians were mistaken for insurgents. These incidents add to a growing list of accidental airstrikes, each characterised by a failure in intelligence, coordination, and operational oversight.
In yet another tragic operation, scores of civilians were scorched to death by an aerial bombardment in Rukubi, near the southern border with Benue in Doma LGA of Nasarawa State in January 2023. At least 47 people, mainly Fulani pastoralists, were confirmed killed while scores were evacuated to various hospitals in Nasarawa and Benue states.
A spokesman for the Nigerian military said the air raids in the area were targeted at bandits at about the same time.
In January 2017, a NAF jet bombed a refugee camp in Rann, Borno State, killing over 100 civilians and injuring many more. This tragic event was attributed to a misidentification of the target during operations against Boko Haram insurgents.
Sadly, there is no record of compensation for the victims of the egregious misconduct. The United States military, for instance, compensates victims of accidental airstrikes to expiate for deaths, injuries, and property losses.
Arrogantly, the Defence Headquarters blamed the Sokoto communities for harbouring the Lakurawa terrorists! The DHQ warned them of further attacks if they continued to entertain the terrorists. This is a bad defence. Instead, the DHQ should apologise for the serious faux pas.
In contrast, monetary payments were made to victims in Iraq and Afghanistan. The US military has found that monetary payments to civilian victims express sympathy, dignify losses, and track with principles of humanity and compassion. Payments are a recognised strategic tactic in counterinsurgency.
Inadequate or faulty intelligence is a primary factor in these tragedies. In conflict zones, the lines between civilians and combatants are often blurred, and insurgents frequently hide within civilian populations. A lack of accurate, real-time intelligence increases the risk of misidentification.
The NAF operates under significant pressure to deliver results in the fight against terrorism and insurgency. Air Force personnel may act on incomplete information in their urgency to strike at enemy targets, leading to disastrous mistakes.
While the NAF has made strides in modernising its fleet, it still lags in advanced targeting and surveillance technology compared to global standards.
The absence of transparent investigations and accountability mechanisms perpetuates a culture of impunity. Without consequences for errors, there is little incentive to improve processes and prevent future tragedies.
For survivors and witnesses, the psychological scars of these events are long-lasting. Fear and distrust of military operations can hinder future counter-insurgency efforts.
By addressing the root causes of these incidents and implementing comprehensive reforms, Nigeria can mitigate the risks of accidental bombings and restore public confidence in its Armed Forces.
