ABUJA, Dec 27 – The Nigerian military confirmed on Friday that an airstrike targeting a suspected Lakurawa group hideout in Sokoto State killed 10 civilians, following secondary explosions caused by hoarded munitions.
Army spokesperson Edward Buba said the strike, which took place near Gidan Bisa and Gidan Runtuwa, was aimed at a terrorist arms cache and logistics depot. Secondary explosions from the attack resulted in civilian casualties.
Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu said the fatalities occurred after a military fighter jet pursuing bandits mistakenly hit civilians. Several others were reported injured.
The military has identified the village as a high-concentration hideout for the Lakurawa group. Buba added that investigations are ongoing to determine whether the civilians had any links to the insurgents.
Last month, the military warned that the Lakurawa group, reportedly infiltrating from Niger and Mali, was establishing itself in the northwest.
