The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced that it will be launching a holistic investigation into airstrikes on two villages in Sokoto.
Recall that 10 civilians had lost their lives after a fighter jet mistakenly bombed two communities in the Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Wednesday morning.
Animals were also reportedly killed, with residents saying some of their houses were destroyed by the impact of the airstrikes.
The locals said the fighter jet was targeting Lakurawa terrorists in the areas, but in the process, dropped explosives on some innocent people.
A statement by the joint media coordinator for the operation, Abubakar Abdullahi, said the airstrikes targeted locations confirmed to be associated with the Lakurawa terrorist group
Reacting to the development via a statement, the NAF spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, insisted that the airstrikes were carried out based on credible intelligence from multiple sources and confirmatory aerial surveillance.
He, however, assured that reports of civilian casualties would be thoroughly investigated.
“The airstrikes were conducted based on credible intelligence from multiple sources, along with confirmatory aerial surveillance. Nevertheless, reports of possible harm to civilians will be thoroughly investigated and we will update you appropriately,” he said.
