13th January, 2025
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has said it is investigating claims that some civilians were killed in its airstrikes on hideouts of terrorists in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State
Reports had indicated that some civilians identified as members of Zamfara Community Protection Guard (ZCPG) were killed in Tungar Kara community of Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State, in the airstrikes targeted at notorious bandits leader, Bello Turji and his associates.
Some sources in the community put the number of those mistakenly killed in the airstrike mishap at 16.
A lawmaker representing Maradun II Constituency in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Maharazu Salisu Gado Faru was quoted as confirming the death of civilians.
However, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Air Force, NAF spokesperson AVM Akinboyewa in a statement on Sunday titled, “NAF Conducts Decisive Air Strikes in Zamfara, Investigating Vigilante Casualty Reports,” said th claim of civilian casualties in the airstrikee is being investigated.
Akinboyewa added that NAF operations were usually conducted with caution for human lives and that no credible evidence supports reports of civilian casualties.
“The Nigerian Air Force, the recent airstrike at Tungar Kara in Zumi Local Government Area of Zamrafa State, dealt a decisive blow to bandits terrorising villages in the area.
“However, while the operation successfully eliminated several bandits and led to the recovery of some kidnap victims, the NAF views with great concern reports of the loss of civilian lives on the course of the operation.
“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.
“Accordingly, a comprehensive investigation is in progress, to ascertain the veracity of the report, the outcome of which will be duly communicated to inform and reassure the public.
“Please be rest assured that, 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.
“We will therefore, work closely with relevant authorities to unravel the facts and take appropriate steps, as part of our unwavering commitment to prevent, minimise and mitigate any harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure in the course of our operations,” the statement said.