In an update published by ThisDay, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) activated a Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation (CHAI) team to probe reports of civilian deaths during a recent air interdiction in Niger State. The operation in Kurigi Village targeted suspected bandit leadership, but local accounts allege non-combatants were also affected.
NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said the service is committed to transparency and will conduct a comprehensive field assessment. The probe follows mounting pressure from communities and rights groups for improved precision in strikes near populated areas.
The Punch corroborated the launch of the investigation, while Daily Post quoted local leaders describing the losses as devastating and calling for accountability.
Echotitbits take: Creating a formal civilian-harm investigation mechanism is reputationally important for the NAF. But unless targeting is consistently supported by stronger ground intelligence and deconfliction processes, recurring incidents will continue to undermine legitimacy and fuel local resentment.
Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/naf-probes-alleged-civilian-casualties-in-niger-air-raid/ 2026-01-29
Photo Credit: The Punch
