### Nigerian Air Force Compensates Victims of Accidental Airstrike in Sokoto On December 22, 2025, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) announced that it has compensated families affected by an accidental airstrike that occurred on December 25, 2024, in Sokoto State. This tragic incident resulted in civilian casualties, specifically in the villages of Gidan Bisa and Rumtuwa, located in the Silame Local Government Area. The compensation aims to address the suffering of the victims and their families, acknowledging the NAF's responsibility for the error and its commitment to civilian protection during military operations [https://dailypost.ng/2025/12/22/nigerian-air-force-pays-victims-families-of-december-25-2024-airstrike, https://www.legit.ng/nigeria/1689228-relief-sokoto-airstrike-victims-families-naf-pays-compensation]. ### Overview of the Compensation Process and Commitment to Civilian Safety 1. **Compensation Details**: - The NAF has provided financial compensation to the families of the victims, which includes those who lost their lives and those who were injured during the airstrike. - The compensation was part of a broader acknowledgment of the civilian casualties confirmed by investigations following the incident [https://thisdaylive.com/2025/12/22/naf-compensates-sokoto-airstrike-victims-reiterates-commitment-to-civilian-protection]. 2. **Investigation Findings**: - An investigation revealed that the airstrike resulted in 13 civilian deaths and 8 injuries, prompting the NAF to take accountability for the incident [https://newtelegraphng.com/naf-compensates-victims-of-sokoto-airstrike]. 3. **Commitment to Civilian Protection**: - The NAF reiterated its commitment to protecting civilians and mitigating harm during military operations, emphasizing the importance of accountability in its operations [https://theabujainquirer.com/2025/12/22/naf-compensates-sokoto-airstrike-victims-reaffirms-civilian-protection-pledge]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Compensation Amount**: - The total compensation provided by the NAF and the Sokoto State Government amounted to ₦51 million, which was distributed among the victims' families [https://globalupfront.com/2025/12/19/naf-sokoto-govt-accept-responsibility-donate-₦51m-to-silame-tragic-airstrike-victims]. - **Casualty Statistics**: - The airstrike resulted in: - **13 civilian deaths** - **8 injuries** [https://newtelegraphng.com/naf-compensates-victims-of-sokoto-airstrike]. ### Conclusion and Future Implications In summary, the Nigerian Air Force has taken significant steps to address the consequences of the accidental airstrike in Sokoto by compensating the affected families and reaffirming its commitment to civilian safety. The findings from the investigation into the incident have led to a public acknowledgment of the casualties, which is crucial for maintaining trust between the military and the civilian population. 1. **Acknowledgment of Responsibility**: The NAF has accepted responsibility for the airstrike and its consequences. 2. **Financial Compensation**: A total of ₦51 million has been allocated to support the victims and their families. 3. **Commitment to Civilian Safety**: The NAF has pledged to enhance measures to protect civilians in future operations, reflecting a commitment to accountability and transparency [https://dailypost.ng/2025/12/22/nigerian-air-force-pays-victims-families-of-december-25-2024-airstrike, https://www.legit.ng/nigeria/1689228-relief-sokoto-airstrike-victims-families-naf-pays-compensation].