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 missiles were launched in Tungar Kara, Zurmi LGA 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.
On Sunday, Olusola Akinboyewa, NAF’s director of public
relations and information, told TheCable that there was no credible report of
civilian casualties during the operation, and that the air strikes were based
on reliable intelligence.
However, the Zamfara state government countered NAF, saying
there were indeed civilian casualties as Operation Fansan Yamma conducted air
strikes “in troubled Maradun and Zurmi local government areas”.
Hours later, Akinboyewa expressed “deep concern” over
allegations that the operation may have resulted in the unintended deaths of
local 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 assured the public that a comprehensive investigation is
under way to establish the facts and ensure accountability.
Akinboyewa said the findings will be communicated to the
public in due course.
“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 pledged to continue working with relevant authorities to
prevent harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure, adding that all necessary
measures are being taken to conduct its operations responsibly.
Nigeria has a history of military air strikes targeting
terrorists but inadvertently resulting in civilian casualties.
In December 2023, Christopher Musa, chief of defence staff
(CDS), vowed that air strikes would no longer record civilian deaths, noting
that the duty of the military is to protect Nigerians and not kill them.
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