January 13, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it would investigate reports of civilian deaths following recent airstrikes it carried out at Tungar Kara community in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
On Sunday, residents of the community alleged that 16 vigilantes were mistakenly hit by Airforce’s airstrikes on bandits who attacked the community. They claimed that the vigilantes had mobilised to defend the community when they were struck by the airstrike while trying to retrieve rustled animals from the fleeing bandits.
However, NAF, in a statement by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Fakinboyewa, said it views with grave concern reports of the loss of civilian lives in the course of the operation, noting that “we take every precaution to prevent harm to civilians during operations. The reports may be propaganda from terrorists seeking to undermine the military’s success.”
While confirming an investigation is underway to ascertain the truth of these claims, Akinboyewa emphasised that no credible evidence supports reports of civilian casualties.
“Our operations are guided by reliable intelligence from multiple verifiable sources, and no civilian casualties have been confirmed at this time”, he said.
Fakinboyewa, who emphasised that as a responsible and professional custodian of airpower for the security of the nation, the force believes in the absolute value of the life of every Nigerian, said a comprehensive investigation is in progress to ascertain the veracity of the reports, the outcome of which will be duly communicated to inform and reassure the public.
The NAF Spokesperson assured the public that while the mission in the North West remains to combat banditry and restore peace, the safety and well-being of all Nigerians are of utmost importance to the force. He said the force will work closely with all relevant authorities to unravel the facts and take appropriate steps, as part of its unwavering commitment to prevent, minimise and mitigate any harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure in the course of its operations.
Meanwhile, Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has extended condolences to families of civilian victims mistakenly affected by the airstrike.
The Governor, in a press statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant, Sulaiman Idris, acknowledged the tragic misidentification of vigilantes as fleeing bandits.
Noting the importance of civilian safety, Lawal reaffirmed his support for military operations to restore peace in the region.
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