Tragedy in Zamfara: Air Force Reacts to Botched Operation with Team Investigation

A high-level fact-finding team has been sent to Zamfara State by Chief of Staff Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar in response to reports of civilian casualties during Saturday's operation in the state.

The team is entrusted with carrying out a comprehensive inquiry into the incident under the direction of Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, Director of Coordination and Cooperation in the Civil-Military Relations Branch of NAF Headquarters.


The team would interact with state and local government representatives, along with other important stakeholders, to obtain a thorough knowledge of the events, according to a statement released Monday by NAF spokesperson AVM Olusola Akinboyewa.
"The CAS, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has sent a fact-finding team to Zamfara to thoroughly investigate the incident and provide a detailed report for further action," Akinboyewa stated, expressing concern over the reported incidence of civilian casualties in the recent NAF airstrikes in Zamfara State.

"For a comprehensive assessment of the situation with a view to driving the appropriate response, the Team, led by AVM Edward Gabkwet, DCC in the Civil-Military Relations Branch of NAF Headquarters, will liaise and interface with State and Local Government officials as well as all other critical stakeholders."

According to Akinboyewa, the CAS was dedicated to the utmost professionalism.
In accordance with relevant international norms, he stated, "The CAS wishes to reaffirm the NAF's commitment to the highest level of professionalism and transparency in the conduct of operations."

As we continue to fight against all threats to the peace, security, and prosperity of our country, our unwavering value for every Nigerian's life and well-being is an essential component of the Service's character.

"We encourage all stakeholders to rest assured that the NAF will continue to improve its operational procedures to ensure mission accomplishment while protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure, keeping in mind the need to maintain public trust, which is crucial to our operational effectiveness."