KEY POINTS

• Kurigi airstrike investigation follows reports of civilian deaths.
• Residents say helicopter fire hit homes in Niger State.
• Air Force cites civilian protection commitments in Kurigi airstrike investigation.

Nigeria’s Air Force has launched an investigation into reports that a military aircraft killed two civilians and wounded six others during an operation targeting bandits in Niger State, raising fresh concerns about civilian safety in counterinsurgency missions.

Residents of Kurigi community, in Mariga Local Government Area, said a surveillance helicopter hovered over the village on Sunday before opening fire, with bullets hitting people inside their homes. The event has caused many to leave their homes out of fear, and many families have moved to nearby Bangi town and other regions they think are safe.

Suleiman Sanusi, a resident, said the shooting was abrupt and unjustified. He urged the authorities to look into it quickly and make sure the injured get medical care.

The Nigerian Air Force acknowledged the reports on Wednesday and said it had activated a formal probe consistent with its accountability framework.

Kurigi airstrike investigation launched

In a statement, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Air Force’s Director of Public Relations and Information, said the service had taken note of allegations of civilian casualties following air operations conducted on January 25, 2026, in Kurigi village.

He said the Air Force recognized the gravity of the claims and expressed concern for those affected, while stressing that the protection of non-combatants remains central to its operations. Ejodame said the service had deployed a Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation team to carry out an immediate and comprehensive inquiry.

Residents earlier told local sources that gunfire struck multiple homes, killing two people and injuring six. Community members said the helicopter had circled the area for several minutes before firing, heightening anxiety in a region already strained by bandit attacks and military operations.

Kurigi airstrike investigation assurances

Ejodame said the Kurigi airstrike investigation aligns with the Air Force’s Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan, which it has applied over the past year to embed civilian protection into all phases of operations.

According to the Air Force, the framework strengthens training, procedures and operational safeguards designed to reduce the risk of harm to civilians during air missions.

He said the service would take responsibility where required, implement corrective measures based on the findings, and continue to defend the country with professionalism and restraint.

Military air operations form a key part of Nigeria’s campaign against armed groups across the northwest and north-central regions, where banditry and kidnapping have displaced thousands. Civilian harm allegations have, however, remained a sensitive issue, often triggering investigations and calls for greater transparency.