The Nigerian Air Force has admitted it made a mistake in an airstrike that killed 15 people in Dangebe Village, Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State, on January 11, 2025.
The airstrike came just weeks after another one in Sokoto State on December 25, 2024, which also reportedly left 10 people dead. Both incidents caused anger among Nigerians and raised questions about how military operations are carried out.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the Air Force has kept all promises made to the victims and their families.
“To show accountability and care, the Nigerian Air Force has fulfilled all promises made to the victims and their families,” Ejodame said.
He listed the support provided as:
– Financial help for families of those who died
– Rebuilding of a damaged building in the village
– Replacement of two motorcycles destroyed in the strike
– A new borehole for clean water in nearby Kambarawa Village
Ejodame also said the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, sent a group of top officers to investigate the incident and later visited Zamfara personally on March 6, 2025. During the visit, he met with survivors, grieving families, and local leaders, and promised quick and lasting help.
“The Nigerian Air Force has kept every word of its commitment,” Ejodame said.
He added that the affected community was thankful for the quick response. “Community leaders and residents praised the Air Force not just for admitting the mistake, but for taking real steps to bring healing and support,” he said.
Ejodame explained that the Air Force remains focused on being open and responsible in all its operations, and is working to avoid harm to civilians.
“For the NAF, protecting the lives and property of Nigerians is not just a constitutional duty; it is a sacred trust,” he added.
