The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has expressed concern over reports that its airstrikes targeting terrorist hideouts, including those associated with notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, resulted in civilian casualties in Zamfara State.
Reports had it that an airstrike on the Tungar Kara community in the Gidan Goga district of Maradun Local Government Area, Zamfara State, on Saturday evening mistakenly struck members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guard (ZCPG), local vigilantes, and residents, resulting in at least 16 deaths.
Maharazu Salisu Gado Faru, the lawmaker representing Maradun II Constituency in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, confirmed the incident, describing the airstrike as an accident. He stated that it had targeted local vigilantes who were mobilizing to confront the bandits.
In response, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) spokesperson AVM Akinboyewa issued a statement on Sunday titled “NAF Conducts Decisive Air Strikes in Zamfara, Investigating Vigilante Casualty Reports.” He emphasized that the NAF conducts its operations with careful consideration for human lives.
While acknowledging an investigation into the incident, Akinboyewa stressed that there was no credible evidence to support claims of civilian casualties. He said, “The recent airstrike at Tungar Kara in Maradun Local Government Area dealt a decisive blow to bandits terrorizing villages in the region.”
He added, “While the operation successfully neutralized several bandits and led to the recovery of kidnapped victims, the NAF is deeply concerned by reports of civilian casualties during the operation. As a responsible and professional custodian of airpower for national security, the NAF values every Nigerian life.”
Akinboyewa assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway, and the findings would be shared to inform and reassure citizens. He reiterated the NAF’s commitment to the safety and well-being of all Nigerians, stressing that the force would continue to combat banditry in the North West while minimizing harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure.
