By Victor Akaa.
In a bold move, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, visited Zamfara State to meet with victims and families affected by the recent airstrike.
The Deputy Director Public Relations and Information NAF, Group Captain Kabiru Ali in a statement Thursday said, the CAS expressed deep regret over the incident, acknowledging the pain and grief suffered by the victims, their families, and the entire community.
The CAS also provided a detailed account of the events leading to the incident.
“On January 11, 2025, intelligence reports indicated the movement of suspected terrorists on motorcycles through Dangebe Village in Maradun Local Government Area.
“The area had been struck a day earlier as part of efforts to neutralise terrorist elements loyal to Bello Turji, a notorious bandit leader.” The CAS explained.
He said, further surveillance confirmed the presence of armed motorcyclists, whose movements matched the tactics of terrorist groups operating in the region.
He noted that unfortunately, the airstrike mistakenly killed 11 members of a local vigilante group returning from a successful operation against terrorists.
The CAS assured the victims’ families and the community that the Nigerian Air Force is committed to protecting lives and preventing such unfortunate occurrences in the future.
He announced several measures aimed at redress, including: financial Support, reconstruction, replacement of motorcycles and drilling of solar powered borehole.
He explained that the NAF has earmarked financial support for the families of those who lost their lives, reconstruct the damaged building in the affected village, two motorcycles destroyed in the airstrike will be replaced, and would provide a solar-powered borehole in Kambarawa Village to support the affected community.
The CAS also highlighted the NAF’s Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (NAF CHMR-AP), designed to enhance operational precision, improve assessments and investigations, and ensure effective response mechanisms when civilian harm occurs.
He noted that the plan is designed to be flexible and scalable, making it relevant to both kinetic and non-kinetic operations.
According to him, the initiative will improve strategic outcomes, refine operational assessments, and strengthen the NAF’s capacity to mitigate civilian harm while ensuring success across the full spectrum of military operations.
He emphasised that the NAF remains committed to working closely with local authorities and security agencies to curb terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities threatening peace in the North West, ensuring that future operations will be conducted with greater precision and enhanced intelligence gathering.
In his remarks, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State expressed gratitude to the CAS and his delegation for their visit and solidarity with the affected families.
He commended the proactive measures taken to prevent future occurrences and presented the NAF with a Certificate of Occupancy for a parcel of land near the Gusau airport, designated for the establishment of a new Air Force Base.
According to the statement, the visit highlights the NAF’s dedication to transparency, improving operations, and building community relationships, all of which are crucial as it evolves and enhances its position in Nigeria’s security framework.
