NAF orders probe into alleged civilian casualties in Niger airstrike

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has acknowledged reports of alleged civilian casualties following an air operation carried out on Sunday, January 25, 2026, in Kurigi village, Kontokoro District of Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.

Just as it has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, the Air Force expressed deep concern over reports that civilians may have been killed or injured during the operation, describing the allegations as grave and deserving of urgent attention.

The NAF stressed that the protection of non-combatants remains a core principle guiding all its operations, noting that it takes any report of civilian harm seriously.

According to the statement, the Air Force has over the past year intensified the implementation of its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (CHMR-AP), a framework designed to integrate civilian protection measures into every stage of air operations.

“The CHMR-AP has strengthened operational planning, training, and safeguards aimed at minimising civilian casualties during military engagements, particularly in areas affected by insurgency, banditry, and other security challenges”, NAF explained.

In response to the reported incident in Kurigi, the Air Force said it has activated a Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation (CHAI) team to conduct a comprehensive and independent assessment of the circumstances surrounding the operation.

The investigation, the NAF assured, will be guided by the principles of accountability, responsibility, and transparency, with findings expected to inform corrective actions where necessary.

“The Nigerian Air Force remains unwavering in its 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 said.

The Air Force reiterated its commitment to balancing the imperative of national security with strict adherence to international humanitarian standards and the protection of civilian lives.