The Nigeria Airforce said it is investigating reports of civilian casualties in Sunday’s bombardment of bandits’ hideouts in Zamfara State.
Scores of bandits operating with fugitive Bello Turji were killed and many kidnap victims set free during the operation. But there was no word on the whereabouts of the notorious bandit leader.
The air assault and ground troops mop up led to the death of several criminals terrorising the Zamafara State communities for years, but the civilian deaths almost ruined the success of the operation to root out the bandits in the Tungar Kara community. Sixteen persons including members of the members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guard (ZCPG), local vigilantes and residents were struck in the air raid.
A lawmaker representing Maradun II Constituency in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Maharazu Salisu Gado Faru, who confirmed the report had described the airstrike as an accident, stating that it targeted local vigilantes who mobilised to counter the bandits.
Responding to the incident, NAF spokesperson AVM Akinboyewa in a Sunday statement titled, “NAF Conducts Decisive Air Strikes in Zamfara, Investigating Vigilante Casualty Reports.” said its operations were usually conducted with caution for human lives.
While confirming an investigation is underway to ascertain the truth of these claims, Akinboyewa emphasised that no credible evidence supports reports of civilian casualties.
“The Nigerian Air Force, the recent airstrike at Tungar Kara in Zumi Local Government Area of Zamrafa 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 kidnap victims, the NAF views with great concern reports of the loss of civilian lives on the course of the operation.
“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.
“We will therefore, work closely with 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 in the course of our operations,” the statement said.
Bello Turji