The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has launched an investigation into reports that over 16 civilians and vigilantes were mistakenly killed during military airstrikes in Tungar Kara, Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, on Friday, 10th of January.
Reports emerged alleging that vigilantes in the area were misidentified as bandits shortly after actual bandits had fled the scene.
Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, quoted an intelligence source stating, “The vigilantes were mistaken for bandits, shortly after the bandits had fled the scene.”
Responding to the claims, the Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, in a chat with TheCable refuted reports of civilian casualties, stating that the airstrikes were conducted based on reliable intelligence.
“There was no credible report of civilian casualties during the operation. The airstrikes were meticulously planned and executed to combat banditry and restore peace in the area,” Akinboyewa said on Sunday.
Zamfara Government Counters Claims
However, the Zamfara State Government issued a counterstatement confirming that civilian casualties had indeed occurred during the operation, which was part of the ongoing Operation Fansan Yamma targeting troubled areas in Maradun and Zurmi LGAs.
Hours later, in a statement expressing concern over the allegations, Akinboyewa emphasized NAF’s commitment to upholding professionalism and protecting civilian lives.
“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. We are deeply concerned about allegations of unintended deaths and have commenced a comprehensive investigation,” he said.
He added that the investigation findings would be made public and that measures were being taken to ensure accountability and prevent harm to civilians in future operations.
The NAF reaffirmed its mission in the Northwest, which is focused on combating banditry and restoring peace. The statement read, “While our mission in the Northwest remains to combat banditry and restore peace, the safety and well-being of all Nigerians are of utmost importance.”
The Air Force further pledged to collaborate with relevant authorities to prevent harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure during its operations.