Air Force tackles Zamfara monarchs on list of strikes victims

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Thursday faulted the Zamfara monarchs on the list of victims of air raids carried out in Zamfara and its environs against bandits and kidnappers.

It said at no time did it bomb targeted locations of the criminals.

The Zamfara state Council of Chiefs through its Chairman and Emir of Bungudu, Alhaji Hassan Attahiru had on Wednesday released names of civilians who were allegedly killed during air raids by the Air Force.

Following the development, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar ordered a Panel of Inquiry to be headed by an Air Vice Marshal to carry out comprehensive investigations into the allegations, the NAF said.

Addressing journalists at its Headquarters in Abuja, the Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, faulted assertion that bombs were used in Zamfara state as false and misleading.

He said while the list of alleged civilian victims released by the chiefs would be scrutinised during interactions with them, the NAF would not stand down its air interdictions in the state to ensure the safety and security of lives and properties.

Daramola also emphasised the air raids on bandits and other criminal elements in Zamfara and its environs were carried out after Intelligence, Survaillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms have established their presence in their hideouts, maintaining that such operations are also done with human intelligence.

He maintained that there was no way the Air Force could have “bomb” anyone more so when it only used lower calibre munitions even as the bandits have anti-aircraft guns in their possession.

Daramola said: ” The allegation that bombs were used is therefore not only false but out rightly misleading.

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“In the light of the allegation by the Zamfara State Council of Chiefs, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has ordered a high powered Panel of Inquiry to investigate the veracity or otherwise of the claim. The Panel, which will be headed by an Air Vice Marshal – 2-star general, will work with the Zamfara State Government as well as the Zamfara State Council of Chiefs and other stakeholders.

“The Panel will start its investigation from Katsina, the Headquarters of Operation DIRAN MIKYA, before proceeding to Gusau and other relevant locations Zamfara State to properly scrutinize all evidence presented by the Zamfara State Council of Chiefs. At the end of the investigation, members of the public would be duly informed.

“The NAF would not relent in its unwavering commitment to sustain its operations to flush out armed bandits from Zamfara and its environs in collaboration with other security agencies. The NAF wishes to restate that it will always be responsible and will not take any action that will jeopardize the safety and security of the people of Zamfara State.

“As a professional organisation and in line with our constitutional mandate, we shall not be distracted but ensure that the innocent people of Zamfara and indeed all Nigerians are safe and secure to be able to pursue their legitimate aspirations.”