‘Just A Propaganda’ – NAF Denies Killing 16 Civilians In Zamfara Airstrike

• NAF denies killing civilians in Zamfara airstrike.
• Airstrike targeted bandits, not vigilantes, says NAF.
• Military claims strict protocols to prevent civilian harm.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has refuted allegations that 16 civilians were mistakenly killed during an airstrike targeting insurgents in Tungar Kara, Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The operation, conducted on January 10 under the banner of Operation Fansan Yamma, aimed to curtail banditry in the area.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that community reports claimed that members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guard (ZCPG) and vigilantes were among those killed during the airstrike, with counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama suggesting that vigilantes were misidentified as bandits.

“So far, 16 dead bodies have been retrieved, but the total number of casualties is not yet clear,” the publication reported.

In response, NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, denied the claims, stating there was no credible evidence of civilian casualties.

“The Nigerian Air Force operations against bandits, terrorists, and other similar threats are conducted based on credible, reliable intel drawn from multiple verifiable sources and subject to further confirmatory analysis,” Akinboyewa said.

He suggested the allegations could be propaganda efforts by terrorists or their sympathizers to undermine the military’s efforts.

“As of date, we have not received any credible reports of civilian casualties being involved in this instance. As events unfold, members of the public would be kept informed as might become necessary,” he added.

The airstrikes formed part of a larger coordinated air-ground assault intended to repel bandit attacks in Zamfara villages.

Akinboyewa emphasized that strict measures are always taken to minimize harm to civilians during operations.

“Every possible measure is taken to prevent, minimize, and mitigate harm to civilians in the conduct of operations,” he stated, reaffirming the NAF’s commitment to protecting civilians in its mission to combat insecurity.

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