By Harriet Tornguvan -Abuja
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has visited Zamfara State to meet with victims and families affected by the recent airstrike.
In a statement issued by the deputy director of public relations and Information Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Group Captain Kabiru Ali, the Chief of Air Staff expressed deep regret over the tragic incident, he also acknowledged the grief and pain suffered by the victims, their families, and the entire community, describing 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 minimised.
He commended the Governor’s leadership and his commitment to realising the state’s 6-Point Development Agenda, which prioritises security, agriculture, education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and overall welfare.
The Chief assured the Governor of the NAF’s continued partnership in addressing security challenges and promoting peace in the state.
Additionally, 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.
The CAS who was deeply troubled by these allegations, promptly dispatched a fact-finding team to conduct a comprehensive investigation in coordination with relevant stakeholders.
"The assessment confirmed that 11 members of the vigilante group were unintentionally killed, while another 11 sustained injuries, ranging from fractures to minor shrapnel wounds.
He Expressed a profound regret, emphasized that the NAF fully recognizes the gravity of the incident and the distress it has caused.
He reaffirmed the Air Force’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding lives and ensuring measures are in place to prevent such unfortunate events in the future.
The Chief of Air Staff 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.
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 Chief of Air Staff (CAS) emphasized the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) commitment to minimizing civilian harm by highlighting its recently developed Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (NAF CHMR-AP). This initiative is designed to enhance operational precision, improve assessment and investigative processes, and establish effective response mechanisms in cases of civilian harm.
He noted that the plan is both flexible and scalable, making it applicable to a wide range of military operations, including both kinetic and non-kinetic engagements.
He further stressed that the initiative will enhance strategic outcomes, refine operational evaluations, and strengthen the NAF’s ability to mitigate civilian harm while ensuring mission success across all operational domains.
Feathermore, He assured Governor Lawal and brge people of Zamfara with emphasises 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.
He commended the proactive measures taken to prevent future occurrences. Seizing the moment, the Governor 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.
The visit underscores the NAF’s commitment to accountability, operational refinement, and community engagement as it continues to adapt and strengthen its role in Nigeria’s security architecture.
