The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced that its airstrikes targeting terrorist locations, including those associated with infamous bandit leader Bello Turji, did not lead to any civilian casualties in Zamfara State.
Reports indicated that the airstrike in the Tungar Kara community within the Gidan Goga district of Maradun Local Government Area, Zamfara State, on Saturday evening inadvertently struck members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guard (ZCPG), local vigilantes, and residents, resulting in at least 16 fatalities.
Maharazu Salisu Gado Faru, a lawmaker representing Maradun II Constituency in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, confirmed the incident and referred to the airstrike as an error, noting that it was aimed at local vigilantes who had organised to oppose the bandits.
In response to the situation, the Nigerian Air Force spokesperson Air Vice Marshal Akinboyewa released a statement on Sunday rejecting the allegations, stating, “We take all necessary precautions to prevent harm to civilians during our operations. The claims may be part of a disinformation campaign by terrorists trying to discredit the military’s achievements.”
While acknowledging that an investigation is currently in progress to verify the validity of these allegations, Akinboyewa highlighted that there is no credible evidence corroborating reports of civilian deaths.
“Our operations are guided by trustworthy intelligence from various validated sources, and there have been no confirmed civilian casualties at this point,” he further stated.
He stressed that the recent strikes in Tungar Kara effectively eliminated bandits and rescued victims of kidnapping, emphasising NAF’s dedication to ensuring the safety and security of civilians.
