Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), visited Zamfara State on Thursday to console victims and families impacted by a recent Nigerian Air Force (NAF) airstrike that tragically killed 11 local vigilantes.
Expressing profound regret, Abubakar took full responsibility for the incident and unveiled support measures to ease the suffering of those affected.
Addressing the community and Governor Dauda Lawal, Abubakar described the airstrike as a “painful departure” from the NAF’s mission to protect Nigerians. He detailed the operation, sparked by intelligence on January 11 of suspected terrorists moving through Dangebe Village in Maradun Local Government Area. “Further surveillance confirmed the presence of armed motorcyclists whose movements matched the tactics of terrorist groups operating in the region,” he explained. However, the strike inadvertently hit vigilantes returning from a successful anti-terrorist mission, killing 11 and injuring 11 others with fractures and shrapnel wounds.
Following the outcry, Abubakar deployed a fact-finding team, whose findings confirmed the error. “While these efforts cannot undo the loss suffered, they demonstrate the Air Force’s resolve to make amends and provide relief to those affected,” he said, announcing financial aid for the bereaved families, reconstruction of a damaged building, replacement of two destroyed motorcycles, and a solar-powered borehole for Kambarawa Village.
The CAS introduced the NAF’s new Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (CHMR-AP), aimed at refining operational precision and preventing collateral damage. “The plan is designed to be flexible and scalable, ensuring improved strategic outcomes,” he noted, reaffirming the NAF’s commitment to collaborate with local authorities against banditry and terrorism in the North West.
Governor Lawal praised Abubakar’s visit and proactive steps, presenting the NAF with a Certificate of Occupancy for land near Gusau Airport to establish a new base. The gesture signals a strengthened partnership to bolster security in Zamfara, even as the NAF works to rebuild trust with affected communities.