Civilian Casualties: NAF Orders Probe Into Airstrikes On Niger Village

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has ordered probe into airstrikes executed in Kurigi Village, Kontokoro District, Mariga local government area of Niger State over alleged civilian casualties.

A statement by the NAF Spokesman, Air Cdre Ehimen Ejodame, said that the NAF acknowledged the gravity of the reported loss of lives and injuries and conveyed its deep concern for all affected persons.

He, however, reaffirmed that the protection of non-combatants remained central to NAF’s operational conduct.

He stated that the NAF, over the past year, has consistently applied its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response – Action Plan (CHMR-AP), embedding civilian protection considerations into all phases of operations while strengthening training, procedures, and safeguards aimed at minimising harm.

“In line with this commitment, the NAF has activated a Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation (CHAI) team to commence an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the reported incident,” he added.

He said the NAF guided by the principles of accountability, responsibility, and transparency, assured Nigerians of its unwavering resolve to take responsibility where required, implement necessary improvements, and safeguard innocent lives, while continuing to defend the nation with professionalism, restraint, and respect for the trust placed in it by the Nigerian people.