Over 152 Lives Lost in Military Airstrike Mishaps in 2 Years: Borno, Kaduna, Nasarawa Among the Most Hit States

By Emmanuel Kwada

A disturbing trend has emerged in Nigeria, where military airstrike mishaps have resulted in the loss of countless innocent lives. The states of Borno, Kaduna, and Nasarawa have been among the most affected, with numerous incidents of accidental bombings and airstrikes that have claimed the lives of civilians, including women and children. In the past two years, a staggering 152 lives have been lost to military mistakes, highlighting the need for urgent action to address this issue.

Aftermath of Rann IDP camp tragedy in Borno State

The most recent incident occurred on February 17, 2025, when a military airstrike targeting bandits mistakenly claimed the lives of six family members in Yauni Community of Zakka Ward in Safana Local Government Area. This tragic event has left the community in shock and pandemonium, with security sources confirming that those killed were mostly single family members, comprising three children, a man, and two women.

The incident occurred on Saturday, after security operatives attempted to thwart an attack planned by bandits against voters in Zakka village. A fierce gun battle ensued between the security forces and the bandits, resulting in the deaths of two police officers and a State Community Watch Corps (CWC) operative. Another officer later succumbed to injuries sustained during the clash.

Recent incident occurred on February 17, 2025, when a military airstrike targeting bandits mistakenly claimed the lives of six family members

This is not an isolated incident, as Nigeria has witnessed several accidental airstrikes in recent years. In January 2025, an airstrike targeting armed groups in Zamfara State mistakenly killed at least 16 civilians. The military operation aimed at neutralizing bandits resulted in unintended civilian casualties, raising concerns about the accuracy of intelligence and the need for better coordination to prevent such tragedies.

In December 2024, at least 10 civilians were killed and several others wounded when military jets mistakenly bombed communities in the northwestern state of Sokoto. The airstrikes, intended to target suspected jihadists, inadvertently struck civilian areas, leading to loss of life and injuries. The military acknowledged the mistake and initiated an investigation into the incident.

Over 425 persons, including children and women, had been killed by military accidental bombings

Other notable incidents include the Doma Region Airstrike in January 2023, which killed more than 40 herders, and the Tudun Biri Village Bombing in December 2023, which resulted in the deaths of more than 120 people, according to Amnesty International. The late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, apologized to the relatives of victims of the accidental bombing and ordered an investigation into the incident.

The PUNCH earlier reported on the 5th December 2023 that over 425 persons, including children and women, had been killed by military accidental bombings between September 2017 and 2023. The Mutumji Village Airstrike in December 2022 resulted in the deaths of 64 civilians, while the Sakotoku Village in Borno State Airstrike in April 2020 led to the deaths of 17 people, including children. The IDP Camp Bombing in January 2017 was one of the most tragic incidents, resulting in the deaths of over 120 refugees and aid workers.

Aftermath of Kaduna Drone mishap.
Credit: CAPP

These incidents have raised concerns about the military’s targeting strategies and the need for greater precision in their operations. The use of drones and other aerial assets has been particularly problematic, with many incidents of civilian casualties resulting from their deployment. The Nigerian government must take urgent action to address this issue and ensure that such accidents do not happen in the future.

The Nigerian government must take immediate action to address military airstrike mishaps, which have killed many innocent civilians. To prevent further tragedies, the government should improve its targeting strategies, increase transparency and accountability, and provide training to personnel on protecting civilians. International support and assistance can also help to reduce civilian casualties and improve military operations.

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