An airstrike carries out by the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) targeting members of the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno State have reportedly killed an unspecified number of civilians.
Speaking to Premium Times, a security source disclosed that the airstrikes were launched between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. in the Mararaba area in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The incident occurred a few hours after NAF vowed to protect civilian populations in its ongoing operations supported by the United States.
According to the source, the airstrikes killed fishermen and commercial drivers gathered at a terminus junction between the road that leads to Daban Masara in Kukawa and the Badeiri in Marte LGA.
The commercial drivers had gathered in the area to convey both the fish products and fishermen to their destinations.
Confirming three casualties and destruction of 10 vehicles, the source said: “The number of civilians killed is uncertain. But a high number of civilians have been killed and vehicles destroyed.”
He added that some casualties had been conveyed to the General Hospital in Mungono for treatment.
A NAF officer, a pilot, confirmed the incident to Premium Times, saying it was discussed at “today’s briefing” in a state in the North-west.
The Air Force has not issue a statement about the incident.
Also confirming the incident, a security expert, Brant Philip wrote: “Reports indicate these vehicles belonged to fishermen, not ISWAP, and there were large civilian casualties in the Nigerian Air Force airstrikes yesterday in Borno State.”
“Over 10,000 fishermen work in ISWAP territory, paying taxes to the proto-state who guarantees them security from bandits and rival group Boko Haram (JAS), it’s not unusual at all for civilians to be working and living in these areas, the NAF should release a statement soon to clarify the incident,” he added.