Air Force Chief sends probe team to Zamfara after accidental bombing

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has dispatched a high-level fact-finding team to Zamfara State to investigate an alleged accidental bombing that resulted in civilian casualties during a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) operation on Saturday.

The incident, which occurred in Kakindawa village, Maradun Local Government Area, reportedly led to the deaths of 16 vigilantes.

According to Garba Umar, a local resident, the bombing took place on Saturday evening while a vigilante group was en route to assist residents of Tungar Kara village, who had been attacked by bandits.

The Zamfara State government and the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have confirmed the incident and extended their condolences to the victims’ families.

In response, NAF has set up a fact-finding team led by Air Vice Marshal Edward K. Gabkwet, the Director of Coordination and Cooperation at NAF Headquarters.

The team is tasked with investigating the incident and gathering information from key stakeholders, including state and local government officials, to provide a thorough understanding of the situation.

The NAF spokesperson, AVM Olusola Akinboyewa, emphasized that Air Marshal Abubakar is committed to professionalism and transparency in NAF operations.

He reiterated that the Air Force places a high value on the safety and well-being of every Nigerian, underscoring the importance of public trust in ensuring operational success while protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure.

This bombing incident follows a similar case in Sokoto State on Christmas Day, where an airstrike intended to target terrorists mistakenly hit two communities, killing at least 10 villagers.

The NAF continues to refine its operational procedures to prevent such incidents in the future.

In a separate development, the Nigerian Army provided free medical services to over 5,000 residents in the Dange/Shuni Local Government Area of Sokoto State as part of activities to mark Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

The General Officer Commanding the 8 Division, Maj. Gen. Ibikunke Ajose, said the initiative reflects the Army’s commitment to supporting underserved communities and improving public health in rural areas.