KEY POINTS

• NAF says in denial, civilian casualties in Zamfara airstrike, so no credible evidence.
• It remains unclear how many ‘vigilante’ victims there are, and investigations are underway to clarify that.
• He commended NAF but insisted civilian safety needs more work.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has dismissed allegations that its recent bombardment of terrorist hideouts in Zamfara State resulted in civilian casualties.

Claims on Friday that security forces mistakenly killed 16 vigilantes in Tungar Kara, Maradun Local Government Area, sparked controversy, as past strikes have targeted locations linked to notorious bandit leader Bello Turji.

Counter security expert Zagazola Makama claimed members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guard (ZCPG) were also killed. But NAF spokesman AVM Akinboyewa denied the claim, saying it was propaganda aimed at discrediting the military operations.

Civilian safety remains NAF’s commitment

‘We operate with reliable intelligence to mitigate harm to civilians,’ said AVM Akinboyewa, the NAF operations. “Claims about civilian casualties have no credible evidence.” “Those are probably part of terrorist propaganda to discredit the military’s progress,” he said.

In its statement, NAF Conducts Decisive Air Strikes in Zamfara, Investigating Vigilante Casualty Reports, NAF reiterated its commitment to civilian safety. The statement noted the details of neutralization of bandits and rescue of kidnap victims during the Tungar Kara strikes while investigations are under way to verify the claims of vigilante casualties.

Gov Lawal calls for caution

But Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal commended NAF for its intensified operations against the banditry but expressed condolences to the families of civilians said they lost their lives in the airstrike. Governor Lawal, through his Senior Special Assistant, Sulaiman Idris, acknowledged that people often mistake vigilantes for bandits.

On combatting banditry, he passed the word to the military to be more conscious of both operations and safety of civilians. The governor also reiterated his support for military efforts ongoing to restore peace to Zamfara.

As investigations continue the incident highlights that there is the challenge of finding the right balance between taking decisive military action and local community safety in the midst of conflict.