Zamfara governor counters NAF, says residents killed in air strike

The Zamfara state government has countered the claim by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) that there was no credible evidence to support reports that 16 civilians were killed during an airstrike targeting insurgents in Tungar Kara, Maradun LGA of Zamfara state.

On Friday, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) conducted Operation Fansan Yamma, targeting bandits in the LGA.

Subsequently, reports surfaced from the community alleging that 16 residents, including members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guard (ZCPG) and vigilantes, were mistakenly killed during the operation.

NAF responded, claiming that there was no credible evidence to support the reports.

In a statement released on Sunday, Dauda Lawal, governor of Zamfara, said some members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) and local vigilantes were killed during the airstrike.

The governor did not disclose the number of civilians killed in the air raid.

“We have received multiple positive reports of precision strikes carried out by the Air Component of Operation Fansar Yamma over the weekend in troubled Maradun and Zurmi local government areas,” the statement issued by Sulaiman Idris, Lawal’s spokesperson, reads.

“This intervention by the military has significantly degraded the operational capacity of the bandits and has shown the commitment of the Nigeria Air Force to carrying out its constitutional mandate of protecting civilians and safeguarding the lives and property of the people.

“As a responsible government, we assure all the people of the State that the Government of Zamfara State remains steadfast in its resolve to sustain the gains made in the fight against banditry and related criminalities. The recent success indicates that the collaborative efforts between the state and federal security agencies yield positive results.

“In light of these achievements, the state government reaffirms its commitment to providing all necessary support to the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies to sustain their operations and bring lasting peace to the state.

“We will continue to offer support to enhance intelligence sharing, provide logistics, and strengthen community engagement, all in the spirit of a comprehensive approach to security and achieving the ultimate goal of restoring normalcy across all parts of the state.

“Regrettably, some members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) and local vigilantes were also affected during the operation in Tungar Kara, resulting in the loss of lives.”

Lawal said the government will provide necessary support and assistance to the bereaved families.

Nigeria has a history of military airstrikes targeting terrorists but inadvertently resulting in civilian casualties.

In December 2023, Christopher Musa, chief of defence staff (CDS), vowed that airstrikes would no longer record civilian deaths, noting that the duty of the military is to protect Nigerians and not kill them.

Musa said this after an accidental airstrike killed over 100 residents at Tudun Biri village in Igabi LGA of Kaduna.