NAF orders probe as airstrike allegedly kills 2 farmers in Niger

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has ordered an investigation into reports of alleged civilian casualties following an air operation conducted on January 25 in Kurigi Village, Kontokoro District, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State. At least two farmers were reportedly killed, while an unspecified number of others, including children, sustained injuries during the aerial […]

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has ordered an investigation into reports of alleged civilian casualties following an air operation conducted on January 25 in Kurigi Village, Kontokoro District, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.

At least two farmers were reportedly killed, while an unspecified number of others, including children, sustained injuries during the aerial attack on the community.

Residents told Daily Trust that a helicopter hovered over the area for several minutes on Sunday before opening fire on people who were going about their daily activities.

According to a resident, the gunshots hit residents within the premises of their homes, with children among those affected.

A local, Suleiman Sanusi, said the incident has heightened fear in the community, forcing many residents to flee their homes for Bangi town and other safer locations.

Sanusi described the attack as shocking and unprovoked, and called on the relevant authorities to urgently investigate the incident and provide medical assistance to those injured.

Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, in a statement on Wednesday, said the investigation would be carried out by a Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation (CHAI) team to establish facts surrounding the reported incident.

He said that NAF regarded the protection of civilians as a core component of its operational conduct and had continued to integrate safeguards to minimise harm to non-combatants during air operations.

Ejodame said the service had, over the past year, implemented its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response–Action Plan (CHMR-AP), which embedded civilian protection considerations into all phases of operations through improved planning, training and strict rules of engagement.

According to him, the NAF has strengthened post-operation assessments and accountability mechanisms to ensure transparency and continuous improvement in its operational processes.

The NAF spokesman said the outcome of the investigation would guide any necessary remedial actions, adding that the air force remained committed to professionalism, restraint and respect for the rule of law in the discharge of its constitutional mandate.

He assured Nigerians that NAF would take responsibility where required and continue to conduct operations with precision while safeguarding innocent lives.