NIGERIAN AIR FORCE TAKES RESPONSIBILITY FOR ACCIDENTAL SHOTS FIRED IN YOBE, BEGINS INVESTIGATION INTO THE INCIDENT
The Nigerian Air Force has commenced an investigation into the bombing of civilians at Yunusari LGA of Yobe State.
This comes after reports on Wednesday said several residents were killed and others injured as NAF fighter jets on a mission against Boko Haram/ISWAP dropped a bomb erroneously in Buhari village, Yunusari LGA of Yobe.
The NAF in a statement on Thursday by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, revealed that an aircraft from Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai on September 15 launched an offensive onslaught in Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents along Kamadougou Yobe River line. Unfortunately, some civilians were erroneously killed while others injured during the airstrike.
Gabkwet said the initial release denying the involvement of NAF aircraft was based on the first report available to the Air Component which was subsequently forwarded to NAF headquarters that civilians were bombed as the aircraft detailed for the mission was not carrying bombs.
The statement reads; “Following intelligence on Boko Haram/ISWAP movements along the Kamadougou Yobe River line, an aircraft from the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai was detailed to respond to the suspected terrorists activities in the area along the Nigeria/Niger border at about 0600hrs on 15 September 2021. The aircraft while operating South of Kanama observed suspicious movement consistent with Boko Haram terrorists behaviour whenever a Jet aircraft is overhead.
“Accordingly, the pilot fired some probing shots. It is important to state that the area is well known for continuous Boko Haram /ISWAP activities. Unfortunately reports reaching Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Headquarters alleged that some civilians were erroneously killed while others were injured.
“Initial release denying the involvement of NAF aircraft was based on the first report available to the Air Component which was subsequently forwarded to NAF headquarters that civilians were bombed as the aircraft detailed for the mission was not carrying bombs. Therefore a Board of Inquiry has been set up to thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the incident.”
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