The Zamfara State Government has disputed claims by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) that there is no credible evidence to support reports of civilian casualties during an airstrike in Tungar Kara, Maradun Local Government Area.
The airstrike, part of Operation Fansan Yamma, targeted insurgents in the area on Friday.
However, reports emerged from the community alleging that 16 civilians, including members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guard (ZCPG) and vigilantes, were mistakenly killed during the operation.
In response, NAF released a statement denying the allegations, stating that there was no credible evidence to substantiate claims of civilian casualties.
Contradicting the air force’s position, Dauda Lawal, Governor of Zamfara State, issued a statement on Sunday acknowledging that members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) and local vigilantes were indeed killed in the raid.
Although the governor refrained from disclosing the exact number of casualties, he called for a thorough investigation into the incident, stating that the safety of civilians must remain a top priority in counterinsurgency operations.
The incident further describes growing concerns over collateral damage during military operations aimed at combating banditry and insurgency in Zamfara and other parts of Nigeria.
