Nigerian Air Force investigates accidental airstrikes on civilians

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF)  says it has commenced efforts to investigate all alleged accidental air strikes on civilians.

Already, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao said NAF had set up a committee to compile all allegations of air strikes on civilians.

A statement issued on Thursday by NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, disclosed this.

There have been a number of airstrike cases hitting civilians and causing collateral damage.

For instance, in April this year, a NAF fighter jet targeting terrorists reportedly killed six children in the Kurebe area of Shiroro, Niger State.

In July, about 13 residents of Kunkuna village in Katsina State were injured and one other villager reportedly killed following an airstrike conducted by NAF.

Amao, who spoke on the past incidents at the opening of the 2022 Air Operations Seminar in Uyo, said that the committee would review the circumstances leading to such strikes.

He said that the investigation would proffer far-reaching measures to mitigate future incidences of collateral damage to civilians during NAF operations.

Amao said the investigation was aimed at promoting accountability and allowing NAF to learn valuable lessons to avoid and mitigate similar cases in the future.

He said the investigation would give NAF the opportunity to take extra measures to minimise civilian harm and casualties in conflict areas.