…reaffairms NAF’s dedication to ensuring the country remains safe
By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken responsibility for the airstrikes that killed innocent civilians in Zamfara state.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, who visited Zamfara State to meet with victims and families affected by the recent airstrike, expressed deep regret over the tragic incident.
A statement Thursday by Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information NAF Group Captain Kabiru Ali, disclosed that during the CAS visit today, 6 March 2025, he acknowledged the grief and pain suffered by the victims, their families, and the entire community.
He said that the CAS described the event as a painful departure from the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens.
The CAS also met with the Zamfara State Governor, His Excellency, Governor Dauda Lawal, to reaffirm the NAF’s dedication to safeguarding lives and ensuring that such unfortunate incidents are minimized.
The CAS praised the Governor for his dedication to achieving the state’s 6-Point Development Agenda. This agenda focuses on six key areas security, agriculture, education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and overall welfare.
The CAS assured the Governor of the NAF’s continued partnership in addressing security challenges and promoting peace in the state.
Reflecting on the airstrike, the CAS provided a detailed account of the events leading to the incident.
He noted that on 11 January 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. “Further surveillance confirmed the presence of armed motorcyclists, whose movements matched the tactics of terrorist groups operating in the region.
“Unfortunately, reports later emerged that the strike may have mistakenly killed members of a local vigilante group returning from a successful operation against terrorists.
“Deeply concerned by these allegations, he immediately deployed a fact-finding team to conduct a thorough assessment in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
“The findings confirmed that 11 members of the vigilante group were unintentionally killed, while another 11 sustained injuries ranging from fractures to minor shrapnel wounds.” He said.
Expressing deep regret, he stated that the NAF fully acknowledges the pain this incident has caused and does not take the situation lightly. He reiterated the Air Force’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and preventing such unfortunate occurrences in the future.
To mitigate the suffering of the victims and their families, the CAS announced several measures aimed at redress.
He revealed that the NAF had earmarked financial support for the families of those who lost their lives, while also committing to the reconstruction of the damaged building in the affected village.
Additionally, he assured that the two motorcycles destroyed in the airstrike would be replaced.
In further efforts to support the affected community, he directed the NAF Director of Services to provide a solar-powered borehole in Kambarawa Village, which would serve the local community as well as neighbouring settlements.
He acknowledged that while these efforts could not undo the loss suffered, they demonstrated the Air Force’s resolve to make amends and provide relief to those affected.
The CAS also used the opportunity to highlight the NAF’s Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (NAF CHMR-AP), which was recently developed 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.
Reassuring Governor Lawal and the people of Zamfara, 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. He reaffirmed the Air Force’s determination to rebuild trust and improve coordination with local communities, ensuring that future operations are conducted with greater precision and enhanced intelligence gathering.
Governor Lawal expressed gratitude to the CAS and his delegation for their visit and for standing in solidarity with the affected families during this difficult time.
While commending the proactive measures taken to prevent future occurrences, the Governor seized moment to present 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.
The NAF reiterates its commitment to accountability, operational refinement, and community engagement as it continues to adapt and strengthen its role in Nigeria’s security architecture.
