The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has rejected the allegations
that only innocent civilians and not bandits were killed in recent air
strikes conducted by its Air Task Force for Operation Diran Mikiya in
the areas attacked in Zamfara State.
The service
condemned the reports in a statement by NAF Director of Public Relations
and Information, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola.
In the statement posted on its Facebook page on Friday, the air force described the reports as “ridiculous”.
It
explained that most of the locations attacked were within the Rugu,
Sububu and Kagara Forests general area, which were known armed bandits’
hideouts that have been attacked in the past without any outcry.
It
further explained the procedures involved before air strikes were
carried out in identified locations while ensuring that only targeted
criminals were hit.
The statement said, “The NAF target selection
process for air operations is particularly rigorous and methodical in
order to ensure proper target identification and thereby prevent strikes
on wrong locations.
“For the avoidance of doubts, the public is
to please note that the locations attacked from 8 to 11 April 2019 were
selected based on human intelligence (HUMINT) reports obtained from
security agencies and other government sources, traditional and
community leaders as well as reliable, vetted informants.
“These
were all further confirmed by days of detailed day and night
Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions to ensure
proper targeting for avoidance of collateral damage. To further ensure
this, as standard practice, NAF attack aircraft on air interdiction
missions are accompanied by ISR platforms that guide them to designated
targets.”
NAF explained that its pilots, by training and in line
with extant Rules of Engagement (ROEs) for the operation, do not attack
any location if it was observed that non-combatants, especially women
and children were present.
In such cases, it said the pilots would rather return to base with their munitions unexpended.
It affirmed that it was “inconceivable” that it would attack locations where innocent civilians reside and rejected the claims.
The
service added that it was mischievous to “spread such deliberate
misinformation”, while it was doing its best to effectively respond to
the challenges facing the people of Zamfara State and its environs.
“Rather
than making such spurious and unsubstantiated allegations, NAF requests
that anyone with evidence to the effect that innocent civilians were
targeted by the NAF air strikes should produce such evidence,” the
statement added.
NAF, however, vowed to remain committed to
ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians, as well as work in
synergy with other security agencies to rid the north-west region of all
criminal elements.
It gave assurance that it would not be
deterred but would sustain its air operations to facilitate a return to
normalcy that would enable Nigerians in the area pursue their legitimate
aspirations.
It also called for the people’s support and urged them not to be distracted by what it termed unsubstantiated allegations.
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