Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal says some residents were killed during the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) airstrike in the Maradun Local Government Area of his state.
Reports claim 16 civilians died in the airstrikes that were targeting bandits. The victims included members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guard and vigilantes.
NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, AVM Olusola Akinboyewa, described the airstrike as a “devastatingly well-coordinated air-ground assault” against bandits.
However, Akinboyewa initially denied reports of civilian casualties, stating there was no credible evidence to support the claim.
Governor Lawal, however, insisted that civilians and some members of the Civilian Joint Task Force and local vigilantes were killed during the airstrike.
Still, he praised the airstrike, saying, “This intervention by the military has significantly degraded the operational capacity of the bandits and has shown the commitment of the Nigeria Air Force to carrying out its constitutional mandate of protecting civilians and safeguarding the lives and property of the people.”
“As a responsible government, the Zamfara State Government remains committed to sustaining the gains made in the fight against banditry and related criminalities,” Gov. Lawal said.
“We will continue to offer support to enhance intelligence sharing, provide logistics, and strengthen community engagement, all in the spirit of a comprehensive approach to security and achieving the ultimate goal of restoring normalcy across all parts of the state.
“Regrettably, some members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) and local vigilantes were also affected during the operation in Tungar Kara, resulting in the loss of lives.
“We pray to Almighty Allah to grant them Jannah,” he added.
The governor promised his government would support and assist the victims’ families.
He urged residents to be vigilant, report suspicious activities, and cooperate with security personnel to defeat banditry.
Investigation Ongoing
The NAF has launched an investigation into the reports of civilian casualties, said AVM Olusola Akinboyewa, in an official statement released.
The statement reads in part; “The operation successfully eliminated several bandits and led to the recovery of some kidnap victims.
“The NAF viewed 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 nation’s security, 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 reassure 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, minimize, and mitigate any harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure in the course of our operations,” the NAF statement said.
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 is investigating reports of civilian casualties in a recent airstrike in Zamfara State. Governor Dauda Lawal confirmed that some residents were killed in the operation, which targeted bandits in the area.){kind=link}