NAF makes U-turn, promises to probe ‘accidental’ air strikes on civilians in Zamfara

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it has commenced an investigation into reports that more than 16 civilians and vigilantes were accidentally bombed during military air strikes in Zamfara last weekend. 

The missiles were launched in Tungar Kara, Zurmi LGA of the state.

“The vigilantes were mistaken for bandits, shortly after the bandits had fled the scene,” Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, quoted an intelligence source as saying.

On Sunday, Olusola Akinboyewa, NAF’s director of public relations and information, told TheCable that there was no credible report of civilian casualties during the operation, and that the air strikes were based on reliable intelligence.

However, the Zamfara state government countered NAF, saying there were indeed civilian casualties as Operation Fansan Yamma conducted air strikes “in troubled Maradun and Zurmi local government areas”.

Hours later, Akinboyewa expressed “deep concern” over allegations that the operation may have resulted in the unintended deaths of local vigilantes.

“As 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,” he said in a statement.

NAF assured the public that a comprehensive investigation is under way to establish the facts and ensure accountability.

Akinboyewa said the findings will be communicated to the public in due course.

“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,” the statement reads.

NAF pledged to continue working with relevant authorities to prevent harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure, adding that all necessary measures are being taken to conduct its operations responsibly.

Nigeria has a history of military air strikes targeting terrorists but inadvertently resulting in civilian casualties.

In December 2023, Christopher Musa, chief of defence staff (CDS), vowed that air strikes would no longer record civilian deaths, noting that the duty of the military is to protect Nigerians and not kill them.