By Kolawole Ojebisi
In what appears to be a subtle backtrack from his previous claim that there were no civilian casualties during its operations on Wednesday, in two Sokoto villages, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has promised to launch investigation into the incident.
Recall that the military had embarked on an air strike on the purported hideouts of suspected terrorists in Gidan Bisa, and Rumtuwa communities in Silame Local Government Area (LGA),Silame LGA of Sokoto state.
But in the course of this operation, the Air Force officers, according to some reports, may have accidently harmed some residents of the communities
According to residents, the incident, which occurred around 7am and claimed the lives of 10 civilians and left many other people injured.
Animals were also reportedly killed, with residents saying some of their houses were destroyed by the impact of the airstrikes.
The locals said the fighter jet was targeting Lakurawa terrorists in the areas, but in the process, dropped explosives on some innocent people.
However, in a statement, the joint media coordinator for the operation, Abubakar Abdullahi, said the airstrikes targeted locations confirmed to be associated with the Lakurawa terrorist group.
Abdullahi said all military operations are based on “thorough intelligence and reconnaissance missions” to ensure precision and protect civilian lives.
“These reports have raised concerns; however, it is crucial to clarify that all military operations are conducted based on thorough intelligence and reconnaissance missions,” the statement reads.
Also reacting, the NAF spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, insisted the airstrikes were carried out based on credible intelligence from multiple sources and confirmatory aerial surveillance.
He, however, assured that reports of civilian casualties would be thoroughly investigated.”The airstrikes were conducted based on credible intelligence from multiple sources, along with confirmatory aerial surveillance. Nevertheless, reports of possible harm to civilians will be thoroughly investigated and we will update you appropriately,” he said.
