Sept. 16, 2021

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has began investigation into fighter jet air strike in “Buwari village” in Yunusari Local Government Area of Yobe state.

This was contained in a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, on Thursday in Abuja.

Gabkwet explained that based on the report that civilians were bombed as the aircraft detailed for the mission was not carrying bombs, a Board of Inquiry had since been set up to thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the incident.

“Following intelligence on insurgents movements along the Kamadougou Yobe River line, an aircraft from the Air Component of ‘Operation Hadin Kai’ was detailed to respond to the suspected insurgents activities in the area along the Nigeria/Niger border at about 0600hrs on Sept 15.

“The aircraft while operating South of Kanama observed suspicious movement consistent with the insurgents behaviour whenever a Jet aircraft is overhead.

“Accordingly, the pilot fired some probing shots. It is important to state that the area is well known for continuous insurgents activities.

“But unfortunately, reports reaching NAF Headquarters alleged that some civilians were erroneously killed while others were injured.”

He explained that the initial release denying the involvement of NAF aircraft was based on the first report available to the Air Component which was subsequently forwarded to NAF headquarters.