The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has expressed deep concern over allegations that its recent airstrikes targeting terrorist hideouts in Zamfara State may have inadvertently caused civilian casualties, including members of local vigilante groups.
Reports claim that the airstrike, carried out on Saturday evening in the Tungar Kara community of Gidan Goga district, Maradun Local Government Area, mistakenly hit members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guard (ZCPG), local vigilantes, and residents, leaving at least 16 people dead.
Maharazu Salisu Gado Faru, a lawmaker representing Maradun II Constituency in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, confirmed the incident, describing it as an unfortunate accident. He explained that the operation unintentionally targeted vigilantes who had mobilized to counter the activities of bandits in the area.
In a statement issued on Sunday titled “NAF Conducts Decisive Air Strikes in Zamfara, Investigating Vigilante Casualty Reports”, NAF spokesperson AVM Akinboyewa defended the operation, emphasizing that it was carried out with precision and caution to safeguard human lives.
“The Nigerian Air Force’s recent airstrike in Tungar Kara dealt a decisive blow to bandits terrorizing villages in the area,” the statement read. “The operation successfully eliminated several bandits and facilitated the recovery of some kidnapped victims. However, we view with great concern the reports of civilian casualties during the operation.”
AVM Akinboyewa assured the public that the NAF is conducting a thorough investigation to verify the allegations and promised transparency in communicating the findings.
“As a responsible and professional custodian of airpower, the NAF believes in the absolute value of every Nigerian life,” he stated. “We remain committed to preventing, minimizing, and mitigating harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure during our operations. Our mission in the Northwest remains focused on combating banditry and restoring peace while prioritizing the safety and well-being of all Nigerians.”
He added that the NAF would collaborate with relevant authorities to uncover the facts and take appropriate measures to address the situation.
The statement underlines the NAF’s ongoing efforts to uphold professionalism and accountability in its operations, even as it intensifies its campaign to neutralize threats posed by bandits in the region.
