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The Nigerian Airforce said on Thursday that it has commenced investigation into the alleged bombing of civilian settlements in Yobe State by fighter aircraft while trailing suspected Boko Haram terrorists.
A statement by Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, Director of NAF Public Relations, said, โFollowing intelligence on Boko Haram/ISWAP movements along the Kamadougou Yobe River line, an aircraft from the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai was detailed to respond to the suspected terrorists activities in the area along the Nigeria/Niger border at about 0600hrs on 15 September 2021.
โThe aircraft while operating South of Kanama observed suspicious movement consistent with Boko Haram terrorists behaviour whenever a Jet aircraft is overhead.
โAccordingly, the pilot fired some probing shots. It is important to state that the area is well known for continuous Boko Haram /ISWAP activities.
โUnfortunately reports reaching Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Headquarters alleged that some civilians were erroneously killed while others were injured.
โInitial 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 that civilians were bombed as the aircraft detailed for the mission was not carrying bombs.
โTherefore a Board of Inquiry has been set up to thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the incident.โ
