Nigeria’s Christmas celebrations were marred by violence as a Nigerian Air Force airstrike intended for terrorists mistakenly hit two communities in Sokoto State, killing at least 10 villagers. The airstrike, which occurred on Christmas Day, also left several others wounded in the communities of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa, located near the Surame forest, a known hideout for the Lakurawa sect and bandits.
In a separate incident, terrorists launched an attack on a military base in Borno State using armed drones, injuring five soldiers. This attack bears striking similarities to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where armed drones have been increasingly used by both Ukrainian and Russian forces.
The Nigerian Air Force has promised to investigate the airstrike, with spokesperson Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa stating that the operation was conducted based on credible intelligence and surveillance. However, Akinboyewa assured that the force would investigate claims of civilian casualties.
The use of armed drones in Nigeria’s conflict is a growing concern, with the military facing challenges in combating terrorist groups. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has warned citizens against engaging in any form of trading or transaction with terrorists, bandits, and other non-state actors, emphasizing that such actions sabotage the efforts of the military and other security agencies.
As Nigeria struggles to contain the spread of terrorism, the military has assured that it will leave no stone unturned to ensure peace in 2025. The conflict has drawn parallels with the war in Ukraine, where the use of armed drones has become increasingly prevalent.
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