The Nigerian Airforce (NAF) says it opened a comprehensive investigation into allegations of civilians casualties in its airstrikes at Tungar Kara in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara state.
Blueprint reports that no fewer than 16 civilians, some of whom were were members of Zamfara Community Protection Guard (ZCPG) vigilantes were allegedly killed in the airstrikes.
This is coming less than three weeks after a military airstrike allegedly killed ten civilians in the Gidan Bisa and Rumtuwa area of Sokoto state.
But NAF spokesperson Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa in a statement disclosed that NAF views reports of the loss of civilian lives in the course of the operation with great concern.
He said the outcome of the report will be duly communicated to inform and re-assure the public.
The statement read: “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), 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 kidnap 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 security of the nation, 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 re-assure the public.
“Please rest assured that, while 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 therefore 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 in the course of our operations.”
