The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, says it has commenced an investigation into reports that more than 16 civilians and vigilantes were accidentally bombed during military air strikes in Zamfara last weekend.
The air strikes occurred in Tungar Kara, located in the Zurmi Local Government Area of the state.
“The vigilantes were mistaken for bandits, shortly after the bandits had fled the scene,” Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, quoted an intelligence source as saying.
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On Sunday, Olusola Akinboyewa, NAF’s director of public relations and information, stated that there was no verified evidence of civilian casualties during the operation. He added that the strikes were based on credible intelligence.
However, the Zamfara state government disagreed with NAF, stating that there were indeed civilian casualties during air strikes conducted under Operation Fansan Yamma in the “troubled Maradun and Zurmi local government areas.”
Later, Akinboyewa expressed “deep concern” over the allegations that the operation may have unintentionally caused the deaths of vigilantes.
“As a responsible and professional custodian of airpower for the security of the nation, the NAF believes in the absolute value of the life of every Nigerian,” he said in a statement.
NAF has assured the public that a detailed investigation is ongoing to uncover the facts and ensure accountability.
Akinboyewa stated that the results of the investigation would be shared with the public once concluded.
“While our mission in the North West remains to combat banditry and restore peace, the safety and well-being of all Nigerians are of utmost importance,” the statement reads.
NAF reiterated its commitment to collaborating with relevant authorities to avoid harm to civilians and infrastructure, emphasizing that all necessary precautions are being taken to ensure its operations are conducted responsibly.
Military air strikes in Nigeria have, in the past, targeted terrorists but have occasionally led to unintended civilian casualties.
In December 2023, Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, promised that air strikes would no longer result in civilian deaths, stressing that the military’s primary role is to protect Nigerians and not harm them.
Crediblenewsng.com
