Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has welcomed the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fact-finding team, led by Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Coordination and Cooperation at the Civil-Military Relations Branch of the NAF, to the Government House in Gusau.
The team was dispatched by the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, to investigate reports of civilian casualties resulting from a recent NAF airstrike in Zamfara State on Saturday, 11 January 2025.
According to a statement from the NAF headquarters, signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, “While in Zamfara, the team will extensively liaise and interface with State and Local Government officials as well as all other critical stakeholders, for a holistic assessment that would guide subsequent necessary action.”
During the meeting, Gabkwet emphasized the NAF’s commitment to professionalism and transparency in all its operations, adhering to international standards. He further stressed the NAF’s deep respect for the lives and well-being of all Nigerians, highlighting this as a core value of the Service.
“The team’s mission in the state is to conduct a thorough and objective investigation into the reported incident,” Gabkwet added.
He also expressed gratitude to Governor Lawal for his warm hospitality and support, despite the short notice.
In his response, Governor Lawal reaffirmed his steadfast support for the military, especially the NAF, in their efforts against banditry. He acknowledged the complexities of military operations, noting that while collateral damage is unfortunate, it is often an unintended consequence in the battle against insurgency.
The Governor stated that based on the reports he had received, he believed the incident was not a deliberate act and expressed his continued solidarity with the NAF. He also conveyed his appreciation to the CAS for the vital role the NAF continues to play in securing Zamfara State.
Following the meeting, the team proceeded to Tungar Kara, the site of the airstrikes, for an on-the-ground assessment of the situation.
“The vital data and information so gathered will be subjected to detailed analysis and provide key input towards enhancing the NAF’s capacity for protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure in the course of our operations to eradicate banditry and terrorism in the North West,” AVM Akinboyewa stated.
NAF airstrikes: Fact-finding team arrives Zamfara following civilian casualty reports