At least two civilians have reportedly been killed after a military helicopter opened fire on residents of Kurgi, a community in Maria Local Government Area of Niger State.
The tragic incident occurred on January 25, also leaving several others, including children, injured, according to local reports.
The incident is believed to be part of a broader wave of military operations launched in Kwara and Niger states around January 20, aimed at curbing the escalating crime and terrorism in the northern regions.
Aldebaran Threat Consultants, which covered the event, reported that the helicopter hovered over the area prior to the attack.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has since reacted to the allegations, acknowledging the civilian casualties from the air strike.
In a statement signed by NAF spokesperson Ehimen Ejodame, the Air Force expressed deep concern over the reported deaths and injuries.
The statement stressed that the NAF had been diligent in its approach to minimizing civilian harm, highlighting the use of its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response-Action Plan (CHMR-AP), which embeds civilian protection in all phases of its operations.
“We acknowledge the gravity of the reported loss of lives and injuries,” the NAF statement said.
“The NAF has consistently applied its CHMR-AP, embedding civilian protection considerations into all phases of operations while strengthening training, procedures, and safeguards aimed at minimizing harm.”
The Air Force has confirmed that a Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation (CHAI) team has been activated to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.
“Guided by the principles of accountability, responsibility, and transparency, the NAF assures Nigerians of its unwavering resolve to take responsibility where required, implement necessary improvements, and safeguard innocent lives, while continuing to defend the nation with professionalism, restraint, and respect for the trust placed in it by the Nigerian people,” the statement concluded.