The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has instituted a probe into alleged civilian casualty over the February 15 airstrike in Katsina State.

NAF’s spokesman, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, announced this in a statement yesterday in Abuja.

The statement said the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, had ordered “a thorough investigation to verify the alleged civilian casualty to ensure appropriate action is taken based on the findings”.

A military airstrike in Katsina was said to have resulted in the deaths of six civilians at Yauni community in Safana Local Government Area of the state.

According to the accounts by the residents, the airstrike occurred after a gun duel between security personnel and bandits who attempted to attack voters in Zakka village during the local government election on Saturday.

Security agents intervened, leading to an exchange of gunfire and, subsequently, a military fighter jet dropped a bomb on Yauni community.

But the statement said the NAF took the allegation with utmost seriousness and “remains fully committed to uncovering the truth”.

It added: “The reports alleging civilian casualties following the airstrikes are deeply troubling… While these claims are distressing, it is important to emphasise that they remain allegations until a comprehensive investigation is concluded.

“As a professional force dedicated to the protection of Nigeria and its people, the NAF operates under strict rules of engagement and adheres to internationally accepted standards in all its operations.

The NAF Ethos guarantees that our operations are always geared towards ensuring the well-being of our nation and citizens.”

The statement explained that the strike was conducted in response to intelligence indicating a terrorist attack on a Police Mobile Force location in the community, where bandits had killed two Police Mobile Force personnel and four vigilantes.

“The bandits were confirmed to be taking refuge on the nearby Yauni Hill. In a swift and decisive response, NAF air assets were deployed for an air interdiction mission. Upon arrival, the targets were identified and engaged,” the statement added.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has instituted a probe into alleged civilian casualty over the February 15 airstrike in Katsina State.

NAF’s spokesman, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, announced this in a statement yesterday in Abuja.

The statement said the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, had ordered “a thorough investigation to verify the alleged civilian casualty to ensure appropriate action is taken based on the findings”.

A military airstrike in Katsina was said to have resulted in the deaths of six civilians at Yauni community in Safana Local Government Area of the state.

According to the accounts by the residents, the airstrike occurred after a gun duel between security personnel and bandits who attempted to attack voters in Zakka village during the local government election on Saturday.

Security agents intervened, leading to an exchange of gunfire and, subsequently, a military fighter jet dropped a bomb on Yauni community.

But the statement said the NAF took the allegation with utmost seriousness and “remains fully committed to uncovering the truth”.

It added: “The reports alleging civilian casualties following the airstrikes are deeply troubling… While these claims are distressing, it is important to emphasise that they remain allegations until a comprehensive investigation is concluded.

“As a professional force dedicated to the protection of Nigeria and its people, the NAF operates under strict rules of engagement and adheres to internationally accepted standards in all its operations.

The NAF Ethos guarantees that our operations are always geared towards ensuring the well-being of our nation and citizens.”

The statement explained that the strike was conducted in response to intelligence indicating a terrorist attack on a Police Mobile Force location in the community, where bandits had killed two Police Mobile Force personnel and four vigilantes.

“The bandits were confirmed to be taking refuge on the nearby Yauni Hill. In a swift and decisive response, NAF air assets were deployed for an air interdiction mission. Upon arrival, the targets were identified and engaged,” the statement added.