The Coordinator Defence
Media Operation, Major General John Enenche, in a statement released on Tuesday
said the airstrikes were conducted based on “credible intelligence reports”.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria
(AFN) has debunked reports that civilians were killed in the airstrikes conducted
by the Air Task Force of the Operation Lafiya Dole at Shokotoko village in
Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
He confirmed that the
target location was occupied solely by Boko Haram fighters, adding that every
precaution was taken to avoid collateral damages.
However, some reports
claimed that no fewer than 13 civilians were killed in the air raid as the
Nigerian military repelled an attack by the Islamic State of West African
Province
The Armed Forces of Nigeria
(AFN) has debunked reports that civilians were killed in the airstrikes
conducted by the Air Task Force of the Operation Lafiya Dole at Shokotoko
village in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The Coordinator Defence
Media Operation, Major General John Enenche, in a statement released on Tuesday
said the airstrikes were conducted based on “credible intelligence reports”.
He confirmed that the
target location was occupied solely by Boko Haram fighters, adding that every
precaution was taken to avoid collateral damages.
However, some reports
claimed that no fewer than 13 civilians were killed in the air raid as the
Nigerian military repelled an attack by the Islamic State of West African
Province (ISWAP) in Borno State.
Former Aviation Minister,
Fani-Kayode also wrote on Twitter that: “17 innocent Nigerians, including women
& children, were killed when a Nigerian Airforce jet “accidentally” dropped
bombs on Sakotoku village, Damboa LGA, Borno state yesterday. Some of those
killed were children playing under a mango tree. This is outrageous &
unacceptable.
However, the statement by
Major General John Enenche reads: “The attention of the Armed Forces of Nigeria
(AFN) has been drawn to some media reports indicating that airstrikes conducted
by the Air Task Force of Operation LAFIYA DOLE at Shokotoko Village in Damboa
Local Government Area of Borno State on Thursday, 9 April 2020, inadvertently
led to the deaths of some civilians.
“For the avoidance of
doubts, the AFN wishes to clarify the facts as given below.
“The operation, which was
conducted on the night of 9 April and early hours of 10 April 2020, was based
on credible intelligence reports, obtained from land forces and other security
agencies as well as reliable, vetted informants, which confirmed that the
target location was occupied solely by Boko Haram Terrorists.
“Moreover, as customary,
the attack helicopter that executed the mission was accompanied by an
Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft to ensure proper
targeting for avoidance of collateral damage.
“Besides, it must be noted
that Nigerian Air Force (NAF) pilots, by training and in line with extant Rules
of Engagement (ROEs) for the operation, do not attack any location if it is
observed that non-combatants, especially women and children, are present. In
such cases, the pilots would rather return to Base with their munitions
unexpended. Consequently, on the strength of the foregoing, the location was
considered a legitimate target”.
“Nevertheless, to allay
public concerns occasioned by the aforementioned media reports, an
investigation is being carried out and subsequent actions will be taken in line
with extant regulations and best practices while remaining accountable to the
Nigerian people.
“We wish to reassure the
general public that the AFN, in keeping with its professional responsibility,
will continue to work assiduously to rid the North East of all terrorist
elements with a view to facilitating a return to normalcy that would enable Nigerians
in the area pursue their legitimate aspirations”.
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