The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has refuted allegations that its recent airstrikes on terrorist hideouts in Zamfara State caused civilian casualties, including the deaths of vigilantes. The operation, which targeted areas linked to notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, has sparked widespread controversy.
Reports initially claimed that 16 members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guard (ZCPG) were killed during airstrikes in Tungar Kara, Maradun Local Government Area. Counter-security expert Zagazola Makama alleged that vigilantes were mistaken for bandits in the operation, raising concerns about the precision of the strikes.
In response, NAF spokesperson Air Vice Marshal Akinboyewa dismissed the claims, suggesting they might be propaganda from terrorists aiming to discredit the military. “We take every precaution to prevent harm to civilians during operations,” Akinboyewa said. “The reports may be propaganda from terrorists seeking to undermine the military’s success.”
Akinboyewa further stated that the operation was based on reliable intelligence and no credible evidence has yet confirmed civilian casualties. “Our operations are guided by intelligence from multiple verifiable sources, and no civilian casualties have been confirmed at this time,” he emphasized.
NAF also released an official statement titled, “NAF Conducts Decisive Air Strikes in Zamfara, Investigating Vigilante Casualty Reports,” detailing the objectives and outcomes of the operation. According to the statement, the airstrikes successfully neutralized bandits and rescued kidnap victims while adhering to measures to ensure civilian safety.
Meanwhile, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal weighed in on the incident, commending NAF’s intensified efforts against banditry but expressing condolences to families of potential civilian victims. Through his Senior Special Assistant, Sulaiman Idris, the governor acknowledged the possibility of vigilantes being misidentified as fleeing bandits.
“The tragic misidentification is regrettable,” the governor stated. “While we support the military’s operations to restore peace, we urge caution to avoid civilian casualties and ensure effective coordination on the ground.”
Governor Lawal reaffirmed his administration’s support for military interventions aimed at tackling insecurity in Zamfara but stressed the need for improved communication between local vigilantes and security forces to prevent similar incidents.
