The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has ordered an immediate investigation into reports of alleged civilian casualties following an air operation conducted on Jan. 25 in Kurigi Village, Kontokoro District, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger.
This is contained in a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Wednesday in Abuja.
Ejodame 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. (NAN)
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The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has initiated an investigation into reports of potential civilian casualties following an air operation in Kurigi Village, Kontokoro District, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger on Jan. 25. Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Director of Public Relations and Information, announced that a Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation (CHAI) team will be responsible for determining the facts surrounding the incident. The NAF recognizes the importance of safeguarding civilians and has implemented measures such as the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response–Action Plan (CHMR-AP) to minimize harm to non-combatants during operations. They have also enhanced accountability mechanisms to ensure transparency and improve operational processes.
The outcome of the investigation will guide any necessary corrective actions, reaffirming the NAF’s commitment to professionalism, restraint, and upholding the rule of law while executing its duties. Rest assured, the air force will take responsibility as needed and maintain precision in operations to protect innocent lives.
Original Source: Vanguard News