The Nigerian Army’s Joint Task Force Northwest Operation, Fansan Yamma, has raised the alarm that terrorists and their sympathisers are fighting back with disinformation, insisting that the military fighter jet bombing in Silame Local Government Area (LGA) of Sokoto State clearly targeted the Lakurawa terrorists.
In a statement late Wednesday by Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, Coordinator of the Joint Media Coordination Centre for Operation Fansan Yamma, the Army called on the public to rely on verified information to prevent misinformation and unnecessary panic regarding its operations.
Dismissing reports alleging that a military fighter jet bombed civilian structures in Silame LGA of Sokoto State, Colonel Abdullahi clarified that all military operations are conducted following rigorous intelligence gathering and reconnaissance missions.
He emphasized that these measures are critical, particularly when targeting terrorist groups like the Lakurawa organization, to ensure precision and protect civilian lives.
According to the statement: “There is a significant risk that terrorist groups may exploit media disinformation to undermine military successes. 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.
Report has emerged on Christmas Day of alleged mistaken bombing of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities in Silame LGA located close to Surame Forest which is a known hideout of Lakurawa and bandits.
Sources confirmed that the incident occurred around 7am on Wednesday with some villagers claiming that over 10 villagers were killed and several others sustained varying degrees of injury.
Chairman of Silame LGA, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Daftarana, however, confirmed the attack, saying they were still assessing the level of damage caused by the airstrike.
“The villagers were sitting peacefully when the bombs started dropping on the communities. They were innocent and peace-loving people who had no any criminal record.
“It was early for me to confirm the number of people either killed or injured because we are still assessing the development,” he said.
When contacted, the Spokesperson of the Sokoto State Police Command, ASP Ahmad Rufa’i, declined comment on the matter, saying it was not the Police operation.