The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commenced a thorough investigation on its airstrikes on terrorist hideouts and locations inhabited by notorious bandit leader Bello Turji and his fighters, that reportedly led to the death of civilians in Zamfara State.
NAF spokesperson Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa in a statement insists “NAF conducts decisive air strikes in Zamfara,” and that investigating vigilante casualty would ascertain the veracity of the reports.
However, he said NAF expressed grace concern over reports of civilian casualties in the course of its airstrikes at Tungar Kara in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Several reports have claimed that the airstrike on the Tungar Kara community in Gidan Goga district of Maradun Local Government Area, Zamfara State, on Saturday evening, mistakenly hit members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guard (ZCPG), local vigilantes and residents, leaving at least 16 people dead.
Specifically, Hon. Maharazu Salisu Gado Faru, the lawmaker representing Maradun II Constituency in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, confirmed the incident and the number of civilian casualties. He said the strikes mistakenly targeted local vigilantes who mobilised to counter the bandits
AVM Akinboyewa said however that NAF operations were usually conducted with caution for human lives and that so far no credible evidence supports reports of civilian casualties. The investigation will establish the truth.
According to the statement , “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.