The Nigerian Air Force said, it has commenced investigation into the accidental airstrike that claimed the lives of some civilians in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The ugly incident occurred on Saturday during Operation Fansan Yamma operation which was targeted at bandits terrorising the Northwest region.
However, the operation, it was gathered, led to the death of 16 residents, including members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guard and local vigilantes believed to have been part of the collateral damage mistakenly caused during the airstrike.
A statement on Sunday by the spokesperson of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, expressed concerns over the reports of civilian deaths, saying that the military has initiated a comprehensive probe to ascertain the accuracy of the allegations.
In the words of Akinboyewa; “The Nigerian Air Force, in the recent airstrikes at Tungar Kara in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara 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 kidnapped victims, the NAF views with grave concern reports of the loss of civilian lives in the course of the operation”.
“As a responsible and professional custodian of airpower for the nation’s security, 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 reports, the outcome of which will be duly communicated to inform and reassure the public,” he added.
Akinboyewa reiterated the Air Force’s commitment to protecting civilians, combating banditry, and restoring peace in the North West.
He further said; “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 work closely with all 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 during our operations,” he stressed.
The Nigerian Air Force had earlier in a statement said, the success of the operation reportedly eliminated key allies of the notorious terrorist kingpin, Bello Turji, and rescued some kidnapped victims.
But in his reaction, the Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal on Sunday, confirmed that some members of the civilian Joint Task Force and vigilantes lost their lives during the airstrike.
