The Nigerian Airforce(NAF) has constituted a committee to compile all allegations of accidental air strikes on civilians as well as review the circumstances leading to such strikes.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao said this is aimed at proffering far-reaching measures that would mitigate future incidences of collateral damage to civilians during Nigerian Air Force (NAF) operations.
He was speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2022 Air Operations Seminar holding at Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Thursday. According to the Army chief, the investigation is also aimed at promoting accountability, learning valuable lessons to avoid or mitigate similar cases in the future as well as taking extra measures to minimize civilian harm and casualties in conflict areas.
The Nigerian air force(NAF) has been accused of targeting the civilian population in conflict areas. An accusation it often denies
On January 17, 2017, a NAF jet mistook a displaced persons’ camp in Rann, Kala Balge LGA of Borno State, killing about 53 civilians, including six Red Cross workers, and injuring over a hundred persons.
In September 2021, Buwari Village in Yunusari LGA, Yobe state was also ‘mistakenly’ bombed by the NAF in an incident where nine civilians were killed and dozens injured.
In mid-April 2022, NAF Jet fighters bombed the Kurebe community in the Shiroro area of Niger State killing many civilians including children
On July 6, 2022, a NAF fighter jet “mistakenly” bombed civilians in Kakuna village of Katsina State, killing at least one person and injuring dozens of others.
