The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has dismissed allegations that its airstrikes on terrorist hideouts, including areas linked to notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, resulted in civilian deaths in Zamfara State.
Reports suggested 16 vigilantes were killed during operations targeting bandits in Tungar Kara, Maradun Local Government Area.
Zagazola Makama, a counter-security expert, claimed in an early Sunday report that members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guard (ZCPG) were among those killed. However, NAF spokesperson AVM Akinboyewa refuted the claim, 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.”
While confirming an investigation is underway to ascertain the truth of these claims, Akinboyewa emphasized that no credible evidence supports reports 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.
NAF issued a statement titled, “NAF Conducts Decisive Air Strikes in Zamfara, Investigating Vigilante Casualty Reports.” The statement outlined that recent strikes in Tungar Kara successfully neutralised bandits and rescued kidnap victims, stressing NAF’s commitment to civilian safety and security.
Meanwhile, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal commended NAF’s renewed efforts against banditry but extended condolences to families of civilian victims mistakenly affected by the airstrike. His statement, released by Senior Special Assistant Sulaiman Idris, acknowledged the tragic misidentification of vigilantes as fleeing bandits.
The governor reaffirmed his support for military operations to restore peace in the region while underscoring the importance of civilian safety.
Peoplesmind
