NAF denies reports of collateral civilian deaths, warns against propaganda to undermine military successes
There is no evidence of civilian deaths in the latest surge against jihadists in Zamfara, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has insisted, dismissing allegations that its airstrikes on terrorist hideouts, including areas linked to notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, resulted in collateral loss of lives.
Reports had suggested 16 vigilantes were killed during operations targeting criminals in Tungar Kara in Maradun Council of the North Western state.
Zagazola Makama, a counter-terrorism expert, claimed in a Sunday report that members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guard (ZCPG) were among those killed.
NAF spokesperson AVM Akinboyewa refuted the claim, saying: “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.”
Akinboyewa confirmed that investigation is underway to ascertain the truth of the claims, but stressed 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 said in a statement.
The statement explained that recent strikes in Tungar Kara successfully neutralised bandits and rescued kidnap victims, stressing the commitment of the air force to civilian safety and security.
Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal has commended renewed efforts of the air force against banditry but extended condolences to families of civilian victims mistakenly affected by the airstrikes.
A statement Lawal issued through his Special Assistant Sulaiman Idris acknowledged the tragic misidentification of vigilantes as fleeing bandits.
But he reaffirmed his support for military operations to restore peace in the region while underscoring the importance of civilian safety.
– Daily Post.
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