The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has dismissed allegations that its airstrikes targeting terrorist hideouts in Zamfara State led to civilian casualties, including the deaths of 16 vigilantes.
Reports claimed that members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guard (ZCPG) were among those killed during operations in Tungar Kara, Maradun Local Government Area.
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However, NAF spokesperson Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Akinboyewa refuted these claims, stating, “We take every precaution to prevent harm to civilians during operations. The reports may be propaganda from terrorists seeking to undermine the military’s success.”
AVM Akinboyewa confirmed that an investigation is underway to verify the claims, emphasizing the absence of credible evidence of civilian casualties. “Our operations are guided by reliable intelligence from multiple verifiable sources, and no civilian casualties have been confirmed at this time,” he added.
In a statement titled, NAF Conducts Decisive Air Strikes in Zamfara, Investigating Vigilante Casualty Reports, the Air Force highlighted its recent strikes in Tungar Kara, which successfully neutralized bandits and rescued kidnap victims. The statement reiterated NAF’s commitment to protecting civilian lives and maintaining security in the region.
Meanwhile, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal commended NAF’s intensified efforts against banditry while expressing condolences to families of vigilantes mistakenly affected by the airstrike. In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant, Sulaiman Idris, the governor described the incident as a tragic misidentification of vigilantes as fleeing bandits.
Governor Lawal reaffirmed his support for military operations aimed at restoring peace in Zamfara but underscored the need for enhanced measures to ensure civilian safety during such operations.
