Nigeria’s air force has announced an investigation into reports of civilian casualties resulting from a weekend air strike aimed at armed gangs in the northwest. This incident marks another instance in which military operations may have unintentionally resulted in the loss of innocent lives.
The military has increasingly relied on aerial strikes to combat the rising threat posed by armed criminal groups, commonly referred to as bandits, who are responsible for killing villagers and conducting mass kidnappings in the northwest and central regions.
Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, spokesperson for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), stated on Sunday that an air strike in Zamfara state on Saturday was directed at bandits, and that the air force had successfully rescued some kidnapped individuals. However, local residents reported to Reuters that at least 15 civilians, including security personnel, lost their lives in the strike. Akinboyewa confirmed that an investigation is underway regarding these claims.
Previous air strikes have also resulted in civilian casualties. In December, a military fighter jet mistakenly bombed civilians in Sokoto state while pursuing bandits, leading to the deaths of at least 10 individuals. Akinboyewa emphasized that the NAF is committed to minimizing and preventing harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure during its operations.
On Monday, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa assured local media that the military does not intentionally target civilians and that a thorough investigation into the Zamfara incident will be conducted.
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