The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced the commencement of an investigation into reports that civilians were killed during a military airstrike in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the probe would be conducted by the service’s Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation (CHAI) team.
Ejodame said the Nigerian Air Force acknowledged the gravity of the reported incident, which allegedly resulted in the death of at least two persons and left several others with gunshot injuries following an aerial operation in the Kurgi community.
He expressed deep concern over the reported loss of lives and injuries, reaffirming that the protection of civilians remains a core principle guiding NAF operations.
According to the spokesperson, the Air Force has, over the past year, consistently implemented its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (CHMR-AP), integrating civilian protection considerations into all stages of military operations.
“Over the past year, the NAF has consistently applied its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response; Action Plan, embedding civilian protection considerations into all phases of operations while strengthening training, procedures, and safeguards aimed at minimising harm,” Ejodame said.
He added that in line with this commitment, a CHAI team has been activated to carry out an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the incident.
Ejodame stressed that the Nigerian Air Force remains committed to accountability, responsibility and transparency, noting that the service is prepared to take responsibility where necessary and implement corrective measures when required.
According to him, the NAF will continue to carry out its mandate of defending the nation with professionalism, restraint and respect for the trust placed in it by the Nigerian people, while ensuring the safety of innocent civilians.
