- The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has denied reports of civilian casualties in its recent airstrikes on terrorist hideouts in Zamfara State.
- NAF spokesperson AVM Akinboyewa stated that the military takes every precaution to prevent harm to civilians during operations.
- An investigation is underway to ascertain the truth of claims that 16 vigilantes were killed during operations targeting bandits in Tungar Kara, Maradun Local Government Area.
- Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has commended NAF’s efforts against banditry, but also extended condolences to families of civilian victims mistakenly affected by the airstrike.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has dismissed allegations that its airstrikes on terrorist hideouts in Zamfara State resulted in civilian deaths. Reports had suggested that 16 vigilantes were killed during operations targeting bandits in Tungar Kara, Maradun Local Government Area ¹. However, NAF spokesperson AVM Akinboyewa refuted the claim, stating that the military takes every precaution to prevent harm to civilians during operations.
AVM Akinboyewa emphasized that no credible evidence supports reports of civilian casualties, and that the NAF’s operations are guided by reliable intelligence from multiple verifiable sources ¹. An investigation is currently underway to ascertain the truth of these claims.
Meanwhile, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has commended NAF’s renewed efforts against banditry, but also extended condolences to families of civilian victims mistakenly affected by the airstrike. The governor acknowledged the tragic misidentification of vigilantes as fleeing bandits and reaffirmed his support for military operations to restore peace in the region.
In a statement titled, “NAF Conducts Decisive Air Strikes in Zamfara, Investigating Vigilante Casualty Reports,” the NAF outlined that recent strikes in Tungar Kara successfully neutralized bandits and rescued kidnap victims, stressing the NAF’s commitment to civilian safety and security.