NAF Reacts To Reports Of Civilian Deaths In Niger Airstrike

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says an investigation has been opened into reports that some civilians were killed during a military airstrike in the Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.

According to a statement on Wednesday by NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the investigation would be handled by the Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation (CHAI) team of the service.

Ejodame affirmed the commitment of NAF to taking responsibility and implement adjustment when necessary.

Naija News recalls that at least two persons were reported killed while several others sustained gunshot injuries following an aerial attack on the Kurgi community in the Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.

According to Ejodame, the NAF acknowledged the gravity of the reported loss of lives and injuries and conveyed its deep concern for all affected. He reaffirmed that the protection of civilians remains central to its operational conduct.

Ejodame said, “Over the past year, the NAF has consistently applied its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response – Action Plan (CHMR-AP), embedding civilian protection considerations into all phases of operations while strengthening training, procedures, and safeguards aimed at minimising harm.

“In line with this commitment, the NAF has activated a Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation (CHAI) team to commence an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the reported incident.”

The NAF’s spokesperson stressed that the service is committed to the principles of accountability, responsibility, and transparency.

According to him, NAF is always ready to “take responsibility where required, implement necessary improvements, and safeguard innocent lives, while continuing to defend the nation with professionalism, restraint and respect for the trust placed in it by the Nigerian people.”