Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Following the outcry from Nigerian public over the bombardments in Kurigi village in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State carried out by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) that resulted to the alleged deaths of the community people, NAF said it has begun an investigation into the incident.
Recall that at least two farmers were said to have been killed, while an unspecified number of residents, including children, were injured following an aerial attack on the community on Sunday, January 25, 2026.
The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame disclosed this in a statement made available to Journalists in Abuja.
He said investigation will be conducted by the Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation (CHAI) team of the service.
“The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has noted reports alleging civilian casualties following air operations conducted on Sunday, 25 January 2026, in Kurigi Village, Kontokoro District, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
“The NAF acknowledges the gravity of the reported loss of lives and injuries and conveys its deep concern for all affected, while reaffirming that the protection of non-combatants remains central to its operational conduct.
“Over the past year, the NAF has consistently applied its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (CHMR-AP), embedding civilian protection considerations into all phases of operations while strengthening training, procedures, and safeguards aimed at minimising harm.
“In line with this commitment, the NAF has activated a Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation (CHAI) team to commence an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the reported incident.
“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”, Ejodame in the statement said.
