January 05, (THEWILL) – On Christmas Day, a Nigerian military airstrike intended to neutralise the Lakurawa insurgent group in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State tragically resulted in the deaths of at least 10 civilians. The Defence Headquarters reported that these fatalities were due to “secondary explosions” following the strike.
In the wake of this incident, Vice President Kashim Shettima extended heartfelt condolences and issued a public apology to the bereaved families and the people of Sokoto State. He expressed deep regret for the unintended civilian casualties and the suffering endured by the affected families.
This tragic event underscores the complexities and challenges inherent in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against insurgency. However, it also highlights a significant event: For the first time in many years, the festive period concluded with only one major incident, the Christmas Eve killing of at least 140 people in rural communities in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi areas of Plateau State believed to have been coordinated and executed by Fulani herdsmen in their unending conflict with farmers and landowners.
In previous years, Nigeria’s festive seasons have been marred by terrorist attacks, leading to significant loss of lives and widespread fear. One of the most notable incidents was the 2011 Christmas Day bombing at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Madalla, Niger State, where over 40 people lost their lives in an attack orchestrated by Boko Haram.
Similarly, in 2014, Boko Haram carried out a Christmas Eve massacre in Gombe State, killing at least 27 people as they attacked villages.
In 2016, a Christmas Eve attack in Southern Kaduna by suspected herdsmen left dozens dead, adding to the grim tally of lives lost during what should have been a season of peace and celebration. These incidents highlight the gravity of the threats Nigeria has faced during festive periods in the past.
The absence of such attacks during the recent holiday season is a significant milestone, reflecting the dedication and effectiveness of Nigeria’s security agencies. The relative peace experienced can be attributed to the relentless efforts of Nigeria’s security forces, including the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). Their enhanced intelligence operations, increased presence in vulnerable areas and proactive measures have played a crucial role in deterring potential threats.
The Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the leadership of these agencies deserve commendation for their strategic planning and execution. Their commitment has not only ensured safer celebrations but also restored a sense of security among citizens.
To sustain and build upon these achievements, it is imperative that government provides adequate support to security personnel by ensuring timely payment of salaries, offering financial rewards for exceptional service to boost morale and providing comprehensive health and life insurance coverage that offers security to the families of serving personnel.
Such support allows them to perform their duties without fear of the unknown. These measures will not only motivate the forces but also attract more qualified individuals to join the ranks, thereby strengthening Nigeria’s security apparatus.
While celebrating the successes, it is also crucial to address areas of concern. Reports have emerged of security forces mistreating civilians, media personnel, civil rights activists and critics. Instances include the arrest of journalists and the crackdown on peaceful protesters.
Such actions undermine the democratic principles that Nigeria stands for. The media and civil society play a vital role in holding power to account and should be protected, not persecuted. Security agencies must operate within the confines of the law, respecting human rights and upholding the freedom of expression.
The fact remains that even with the best intelligence, strategic planning, preparations and air strikes, collateral damages are extremely difficult to avoid. Yet, the unfortunate events in Sokoto serve as a poignant reminder of the need for precision and caution in military operations. It is essential for the military to review and refine their operational protocols to prevent civilian casualties. Implementing advanced surveillance technologies and conducting thorough intelligence assessments can aid in achieving this goal.
Nigeria has made commendable strides in enhancing security, as evidenced by the peaceful festive season. This progress is a testament to the dedication of our security agencies and their leadership. Still, it is imperative to balance security measures with the protection of human rights. By supporting our security personnel and holding them accountable, Nigeria can continue on the path toward lasting peace and security. As citizens, it is our collective responsibility to support these efforts, advocate for justice, and strive for a nation where peace and freedom coexist harmoniously.
In the light of the Sokoto incident, it is crucial for the military to conduct a thorough investigation to understand the factors that led to the unintended civilian casualties. Such an inquiry would not only provide closure to the affected families but also serve as a learning opportunity to prevent future occurrences. Transparency in this process will help rebuild trust between the military and the civilian population, ensuring that collaborative efforts in combating insurgency are not undermined.
Furthermore, the Federal Government should consider implementing community engagement programmes where security agencies can interact with local populations. Such initiatives will foster mutual understanding, allowing security forces to gain valuable insights from residents who are often the first to detect unusual activities in their areas. This grassroots approach can enhance intelligence gathering and ensure that operations are more accurately targeted, minimising the risk to innocent lives.
It is also imperative to address the underlying socio-economic factors that contribute to the rise of insurgent groups. Poverty, unemployment, and lack of education are among the root causes that make individuals susceptible to recruitment by extremist factions.
By investing in education, creating job opportunities and improving living standards, the government can reduce the appeal of insurgent ideologies and promote long-term peace and stability.
While the peaceful festive season is a milestone worth celebrating, the Sokoto airstrike tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges that remain as Nigeria moves to restore the north to its past glory and agricultural boom.
