NAF probes alleged civilian deaths in Niger airstrikes

From Molly Kilete, Abuja

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commenced an investigation into alleged civilian casualties during airstrikes conducted on January 25 in Kurigi village in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.

The probe, according to NAF Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, will be conducted by the Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation (CHAI) team of the service.

Ejodame, in a statement issued in Abuja, read: “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”.