The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has issued a stern warning to communities and individuals who harbour terrorists, saying such actions will expose them to aerial bombardment from the Nigerian Air Force.
Speaking during his visit to Giginya Cantonment, Sokoto, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen.
Christopher Musa, dismissed reports describing the Christmas Day airstrike as accidental, stressing that the Army targeted the Lakurawa terrorist group in Sokoto State.
A fighter jet bombed two communities in Silame Local Government Area, killing suspected terrorists. However, the Sokoto State government stated that 10 civilians were mistakenly killed in the bombing.
“We have individuals who still harbour those people (terrorists), and once you do that, you make yourself a target. Our appeal is please do not allow them to hang around you, do not give them any support in whatever means.
“The incident that happened yesterday is an operation we conducted. We followed up and ensured we avoided mistakes as much as possible. If other mistakes come up, we will investigate. From what we have seen, there were criminals in that place. Anybody who toyed with them was part of them. We want to appeal to the media: always understand that those guys want to use the media to send their message across.
“The military will continue with its operations and will not relent in fighting criminal elements. Regardless of the controversy surrounding the airstrikes, the military will avoid civilian casualties as long as civilians avoid staying where the criminals are.
“It makes the job extremely difficult if we say wherever they are with the criminals, we avoid. If you are not with them, please leave their area and come out so that it gives us the ability to deal with them decisively,” he said.
