The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has dismissed allegations that 16 civilians were killed during an airstrike targeting insurgents in Tungar Kara, Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
OsunDailyNG understands that the airstrike, conducted on January 10 under Operation Fansan Yamma, aimed to tackle banditry in the region.
Reports from the community alleged that 16 residents, including members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guard (ZCPG) and vigilantes, were mistakenly killed during the operation.
Counter-insurgency publication, Zagazola Makama, cited intelligence sources suggesting the vigilantes were misidentified as bandits after gunmen fled the area.
“So far, 16 dead bodies have been retrieved, but the total number of casualties is not yet clear,” the publication reported.
Responding to the allegations, NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa in a chat with The Cable denied any credible evidence of civilian casualties.
He emphasized that the operation was conducted based on reliable intelligence and adhered to strict measures to minimize harm to civilians.
“The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) 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 further dismissed the claims as propaganda, suggesting they could be attempts by terrorists and their sympathizers to discredit the military.
“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 were part of a coordinated air-ground assault aimed at repelling bandit attacks in Zamfara villages. Akinboyewa assured the public that the NAF employs rigorous measures to prevent civilian harm during operations.
“Every possible measure is taken to prevent, minimize, and mitigate harm to civilians in the conduct of operations,” he stated.
