The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it has commenced
investigation into alleged accidental airstrikes on civilians during military
operations in the country.
Oladayo Amao, chief of air staff, while speaking on Thursday
at the 2022 Air Operations Seminar held in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom capital, said the
investigation will enable accountability.
The air chief, according to a statement issued by Edward
Gabkwet, NAF spokesperson, said the probe would help NAF learn from previous
operational negligences and introduce measures to prevent future occurrences.
“The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao
has stated that a committee of officers has been instituted to compile all
allegations of accidental air strikes on civilians as well as review the
circumstances leading to such strikes,” the statement reads.
“This, according to
him, was with a view to proffering far-reaching measures that would mitigate
future incidences of collateral damages on civilians during Nigerian Air Force
(NAF) operations.
“Air marshal Amao stated this today, October 27, 2022 at the
opening ceremony of the 2022 Air Operations Seminar holding at Uyo, Akwa Ibom
State from October 27-28, 2022.
“Speaking further, Air Marshal Amao noted that the
investigation further aims at promoting accountability, allow the NAF to learn
valuable lessons in order to avoid or mitigate similar cases in the future as
well as take extra measures to minimise civilians harm and casualties in
conflict areas.”
While congratulating 17 newly winged pilots at the event,
Amao charged them to abide by the laws of engagement, and that “the efforts to
mitigate civilian casualties are not just a reflection of NAF values as a
service, but also strategically imperative to our operations.”
The air chief also commended NAF for the efforts invested
into neutralising terrorists through intensive airstrikes on their hideouts.
Meanwhile, NAF had, through its air operations, eliminated
several terrorists and destroyed their hideouts in recent weeks.
However, there have been reports of civilian casualties from
accidental airstrikes.
On January 17, 2017, about 52 people were killed while 120
others sustained injuries after the NAF jet accidentally bombed an internally
displaced persons (IDPs) camp in Rann, Borno state.
On April 13, 2020, 17 people, including children, were
killed after a NAF fighter jet bombed Sakotoku village in Damboa LGA of Borno.
On April 2022, a NAF fighter jet had reportedly killed six
children, when it fired a bomb targeted at terrorists on Kurebe village in
Shiroro LGA of Niger state.
Another 13 residents were wounded while one other died after
NAF fighter jet struck Kunkuna village in Safana LGA of Katsina, on July 7,
2022.
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