The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has ordered an immediate investigation into reports of alleged civilian casualties following an air operation on January 25 in Kurigi Village, Kontokoro District, Mariga Local Government Area, Niger State.
The announcement was made in a statement on Wednesday by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, in Abuja. The investigation will be carried out by a Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation (CHAI) team to establish the facts surrounding the reported incident.
Ejodame emphasized that the protection of civilians is a core component of NAF operations. He noted that the service has integrated safeguards to minimize harm to non-combatants, including the implementation of the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response–Action Plan (CHMR-AP) over the past year. The plan embeds civilian protection into all phases of operations through improved planning, training, and strict rules of engagement.
The spokesman added that NAF has strengthened post-operation assessments and accountability mechanisms to ensure transparency and continuous improvement in operational processes. He assured Nigerians that the outcome of the investigation would guide any necessary remedial actions.
“The NAF remains committed to professionalism, restraint, and respect for the rule of law in carrying out its constitutional mandate,” Ejodame said. “Where responsibility is required, the Air Force will take it, while continuing to conduct operations with precision and safeguarding innocent lives.”
The statement underlines NAF’s ongoing effort to balance national security objectives with the protection of civilians, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to accountability and operational discipline.
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