December 06, (THEWILL) – The Defence Headquarters has apologised for the killing of civilians in the cause of operations by the Nigerian army in Kaduna State, saying: “The military views every civilian death in the cause of operations as a tragedy.”
THEWILL earlier reported that scores of villagers celebrating Maulud were killed and several others injured, in an aerial bombardment in Tudun Biri community, Ligarma village, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna, on Sunday night.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, in a statement on Tuesday, said the military will continue to find innovative solutions to the challenges faced in the conduct of its operations.
Titled “On Air Strike On Ligarma Village in Kaduna State”, the statement read in part: “On 3 Dec 2023, at about 2200hrs and based on untoward activities by terrorists, The NA UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) detachment observed movement of terrorists at Ligarma, a terrorist-infested area of Kaduna State.
“Aerial surveillance captured the movement of groups of persons synonymous with the terrorists’ tactics and modus operandi. The observed advance of the terrorists that were gathered posted a threat to key infrastructure within reach of the on-toward activities.
“Accordingly, the threat was eliminated to prevent the terrorists from unleashing terror on innocent civilians.
“The armed forces will continue to operate consistent with international law as it always has done.
“It will also continue its determined and cautious progress in eradicating terrorists from our land.
“These terrorists as part of their tactics disguise themselves as civilians to perpetrate terror.
“Accordingly, we will continue to find innovative solutions to the challenges faced in the conduct of operations.”’
