OPINION: Stronger Links Between Community Guards and Air Force Intelligence Needed
By Segun Onibiyo
Kaduna – In an ongoing effort to combat bandit-terrorists, a military jet targeting bandits fired missiles that took the lives of 10 innocent residents of Silame County (Local Government Area) 30 miles west of Sokoto, Northwest Nigeria,
The military says the air strike targeted the Lakurawa terrorists group, but unfortunately, civilians where hit.
Eyewitness Reports
Hassan Bisa, a community leader in Gidan Bisa, told TruthNigeria by phone, “No fewer than 10 people were killed in a military airstrike while pursuing Lakurawa terrorists early Thursday morning, December 26, 2024.
“The terrorists had been hiding in the forests surrounding our village. Our community guards, working with the military, identified their hideout and relayed the information to the authorities. Unfortunately, the military missed some of the bandits and struck areas that killed innocent villagers.”
Tumba Kusir, a resident of Runtuwa village, also shared his perspective with TruthNigeria. “What happened here is tragic. The military claims they got the coordinates wrong and ended up firing on our people instead of the bandits. I lost my elder cousin in the strike and learned about it this morning from another family member. This is truly devastating.”
Government Response
Abubakar Gitta Rana, Chairman of the local area, confirmed the incident to TruthNigeria. “At about 6 a.m. on December 26, two military fighter jets mistakenly dropped bombs in the village, killing 10 people and many livestock. We are still assessing the extent of the damage to ensure no one else is unaccounted for.”
Governor Ahmed Aliyu, accompanied by state APC leader Senator Aliyu Magarakarda Wamakko and Minister of Labor and Employment Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, visited the affected area to pay respects and participate in funeral prayers for the victims.
While expressing condolences to the community, Governor Aliyu described the incident as “unfortunate and an act destined by Almighty Allah.” He added, “The military was on a mission to eliminate armed criminal groups but tragically struck innocent civilians. However, this was a mistake, as the military has successfully executed many operations against criminals in the past.”
Gov. Aliyu emphasized the state’s commitment to working with the military to conduct a thorough investigation to prevent such errors from recurring. He also prayed for the deceased and their grieving families.
State Secretary Muhammad Bello Sifawa announced a relief package of ₦20 million and 100 bags of food for the victims’ families, along with the state government’s pledge to cover medical bills for those injured in the strike.
Expert Analysis
Security expert Dr. Walid Abdullahi expressed concern over the incident, questioning the accuracy of the military’s intelligence. “Was the information provided by the community guards flawed? Was there a compromise in the chain of command? Did the bandits use civilians as human shields? These are critical questions we must address.”
He criticized the military’s coordination, stating, “A trained force should verify its targets thoroughly. Mistakes like these erode public trust and provide cover for terrorists to regroup.”
Retired Air Commodore Abdullahi Usman reinforced the need for stronger communication and planning in counterterrorism operations. “To win this fight, you must ensure precision, build trust with the locals, and learn from these tragic mistakes. It’s vital to implement a clear and coordinated approach to avoid unnecessary casualties and strengthen security efforts.”
Historical Angle
In many other military operations against bandit-terrorists in Nigeria, the military have hit civilians.
One year ago a mistaken airstrike in Northern Kaduna took the lives of many civilians
A Human Rights Watch staffer made the following observation at that time. “It’s unconscionable that the Nigerian military continues to kill people just trying to go about their lives in erroneous air strikes,” said Anietie Ewang, Nigeria researcher at Human Rights Watch. “This attack calls for much needed scrutiny into the activities of the security forces to prevent any further killings and provide redress for victims, beginning with an independent, impartial, and transparent inquiry.”
Broader Implications
This incident highlights several persistent challenges in Nigeria’s counterterrorism strategy:
1. Intelligence Gaps – Weak links between community guards and military intelligence hinder effective targeting.
2. Civilian Safety – The recurring civilian casualties point to insufficient planning and execution.
3. Regional Security – Continued activity by bandit-terrorists risks destabilizing anti-terrorism operations across the Northwest.
4. Trust Deficit – Missteps like this erode civilian trust, compromising future security cooperation.
Conclusion
As Nigeria faces the growing threat of insurgency, the Gidan-Bisa tragedy underscores the need for a more deliberate, coordinated, and transparent approach to counterterrorism. With insurgents such as Boko Haram and ISWAP operating in the region, enhancing accuracy and communication between security forces and communities is critical for long-term success.
Segun Onibiyo is a conflict reporter with TruthNigeria.
