Mon Jan 13 13:04:44 UTC 2025: ## Nigerian Air Force Investigates Civilian Deaths Following Air Raid in Zamfara State
**Zamfara, Nigeria** – The Nigerian Air Force has launched an investigation following reports that at least 15 civilians were killed in an air raid targeting criminal gangs in Zamfara State. The incident, which occurred over the weekend in the Maradun and Zurmi local government areas, involved an attack on what officials described as “bandits” responsible for killings and kidnappings in the region.
According to a statement from the Zamfara State governor’s spokesman, Sulaiman Bala Idris, members of a Civilian Joint Task Force and local vigilantes were mistakenly identified as fleeing bandits and subsequently targeted. While official casualty figures remain unconfirmed, residents reported to news agencies that up to 20 bodies were found, with at least 10 others injured. Reuters reported accounts stating at least 15 civilians, including local security personnel, died in the attack.
The Nigerian Air Force acknowledged the incident and stated it is conducting a “comprehensive investigation” to determine the circumstances that led to civilian casualties. The Air Force maintained that the operation also resulted in the death of several bandits and the rescue of some kidnap victims.
This incident marks yet another case of civilian deaths resulting from air raids against armed groups in Nigeria. The Nigerian Air Force has increased the use of aerial attacks in recent years, but these operations have been criticized for causing significant civilian casualties. According to SBM Intelligence, an estimated 400 civilians have been killed in military air raids since 2017. A similar incident in December 2023 saw over 80 civilians killed during a religious gathering in Kaduna State. The ongoing investigation aims to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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