Nigerian Air Force Commences Investigation Into Alleged Aircraft Firing of Civilians in Yobe

• Several reports of an aircraft firing into civilian settlements in Yobe state went viral on Wednesday, September 15
• The Nigerian Air Force says it will look into the issue and come up with its findings on the incident
• The Air Force, however, clarified that the aircraft did not drop bombs in the area, but only fired probing shots

FCT, Abuja - The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Thursday, September 16 said it has commenced investigation into the alleged firing of civilians by one of its aircraft in Yobe state.

Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the NAF spokesman, disclosed in a statement sent to Legit.ng.

Part of the statement read:

“The aircraft while operating south of Kanama observed suspicious movement consistent with Boko Haram terrorists' behaviour whenever a jet aircraft is overhead. Accordingly, the pilot fired some probing shots.

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“It is important to state that the area is well known for continuous Boko Haram/ISWAP activities. Unfortunately, reports reaching NAF headquarters alleged that some civilians were erroneously killed while others were injured.

“Therefore a board of inquiry has been set up to thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the incident.”

A report by Channels TV had earlier indicated that several villagers were killed and others injured in the aerial bombardment.

A source in the community confirmed the incident saying those injured are receiving treatment at the General Hospitals in Geidam and Gashua.

Daily Trust also reported that at least eight persons were killed after an aircraft belonging to the Nigerian Air Force dropped bombs in error.

A resident identified as Ali Lawan said residents were heading for the Geidam weekly market when an aircraft with a spot of ash and military camouflaged colour fired from east to the west.

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Confusion over alleged bombing of Yobe community by Nigerian Air Force

Meanwhile, the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) said the interim report on the crash of a military aircraft in which the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru, and 10 others died in Kaduna state is ready.

Air Commodore Gabkwet and Tunji Oketunbi, AIB spokesman, made this known in a joint statement.

The submitted report includes a total of 27 initial findings and eight immediate safety recommendations.

Source: Legit.ng