Recent reports claimed that the Nigerian military mistakenly bombed two communities in Sokoto State, resulting in civilian casualties. Abubakar Bawa, the Press Secretary to the Sokoto State Governor, confirmed that air strikes in Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa killed at least ten civilians.

The military has denied these allegations. Lt. Col Abdullahi Abubakar, spokesman for the Joint Task Force, clarified that the strikes were aimed at associates of the Lakurawa terrorist group. According to him, intelligence and reconnaissance missions confirmed the targets’ connection to the group before the operation.

“These operations are guided by thorough planning to ensure accuracy and minimize risks to civilians,” Lt. Col Abubakar said. He stressed the importance of relying on verified information to prevent unnecessary panic and misinformation.

The military reiterated its commitment to protecting civilian lives while conducting operations to secure the region from terrorist threats.