As Abuja watches closely, the nation must reflect on strategic approaches that prioritize both security and civilian protection.
What Happened: Timeline of the Borno Airstrikes
- On December 14, 2025, between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m., NAF jets conducted airstrikes in Mararaba, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
- The strikes hit a bustling junction where fishermen, commercial drivers, and local traders had gathered — not a known insurgent hideout.
- Initial reports estimate at least three civilian deaths and multiple injuries, with several vehicles destroyed. Local hospitals reportedly received the wounded.
- Crucially, this occurred just hours after the Nigerian Air Force publicly vowed to enhance civilian safety in its ongoing operations.
Why This Matters
1. Civilian Safety vs. Counter-Insurgency
The Nigerian government and military have long battled extremist groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP in the Northeast. However, incidents involving civilian casualties can undermine public trust and cause deep social harm — especially in regions already traumatized by violence.
2. Credibility of Military Assurances
Just days before this incident, the NAF reiterated its commitment to protecting non-combatants in its operations. The occurrence of such a strike despite these assurances raises questions about:
- Pre-strike intelligence and target verification
- Rules of engagement
- Post-strike assessments and accountability
Voices on the Ground
Local residents expressed shock and anger, stating that the affected junction was a civic hub for commerce and transport — not a combat zone. Some community leaders are calling for:
- Independent investigations
- Compensation for victims’ families
- Stronger mechanisms to prevent future civilian harm
Human rights organizations have also condemned the incident and urged the government to adopt stricter oversight of military operations.
NAF’s Official Position — Still Pending
As of this writing, the Nigerian Air Force has not released a detailed statement regarding this specific airstrike. However, the NAF has previously outlined civilian harm mitigation measures intended to reduce collateral damage in combat zones. The gap between policy and practice now lies at the heart of the national debate.
What This Means for Nigeria’s Security Strategy
This incident highlights a critical paradox in counter-insurgency efforts:
- Effective military action is necessary to disrupt terror activities, but
- Protecting civilian lives is equally crucial for long-term peace and stability.
For Abuja — the political heart of Nigeria — these developments underscore the need for:
- Improved operational transparency
- Stronger civilian protection protocols
- Clear communication between the military and the public
Conclusion
The Borno airstrike tragedy serves as a reminder that military assurances alone are not enough — they must be backed by measurable actions and accountability. As Nigeria continues its fight against insurgency, preserving civilian trust will be as important as neutralizing threats.
Let this incident be a call to action: civilian protection must be central to Nigeria’s security doctrine.
