The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it will investigate reports of alleged civilian casualties during an air strike it carried out in Zakka, Safana LGA of Katsina state.
On Monday, a NAF jet reportedly killed at least six civilians in an air strike while pursuing armed gangs in the area.
The jet allegedly dropped a bomb on huts along the outskirts of Zakka village on Saturday.
A statement on Monday by Olusola Akinboyewa, NAF’s director of public relations and information, said the air component of Operation Fasan Yanma carried out the air strike at Yauni hill in Zakka.
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“The airstrike resulted in the neutralisation of several bandits and helped to repel the onslaught against Police Mobile Force (PMF) and Katsina State Community Watch Corps personnel,” he said.
Akinboyewa noted that the operation was launched after intelligence revealed that bandits, who had killed two mobile policemen and four vigilantes in an attack on a PMF base, were taking refuge on Yauni hill.
“In a swift and decisive response, NAF air assets were deployed for an air interdiction mission. Upon arrival, the targets were identified and engaged,” he added.
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Describing reports of civilian casualties as “deeply troubling”, Akinboyewa said NAF takes the concerns seriously and is committed to uncovering the truth.
“While these claims are distressing, it is important to emphasise that they remain allegations until a comprehensive investigation is concluded,” he said.
“As a professional force dedicated to the protection of Nigeria and its people, the NAF operates under strict rules of engagement and adheres to internationally accepted standards in all its operations.
“The NAF ethos guarantees that our operations are always geared towards ensuring the well-being of our nation and citizens.”
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He said Hasan Abubakar, the chief of air staff (CAS), has ordered an investigation into the incident, assuring that necessary actions will be taken based on the findings.
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