The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has deployed a high-level fact-finding team to Zamfara States over alleged civilian casualties during Saturday’s operation in the state.
The team, led by the Director of Coordination and Cooperation in the Civil-Military Relations Branch of NAF Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, is tasked with conducting a thorough investigation into the incident.
A statement on Monday by the NAF spokesperson, AVM Olusola Akinboyewa, said the team would engage with state and local government officials, as well as other critical stakeholders, to gather a comprehensive understanding of the events.
Akinboyewa said, “Concerned about the reported incidence of civilian casualties in the recent NAF airstrikes in Zamfara State, the CAS, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has dispatched a fact-finding team to Zamfara to fully investigate the incident and provide a detailed report for further action.
“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, for a holistic assessment of the situation with a view to driving the appropriate response.”
Akinboyewa stated that the CAS was committed to the highest level of professionalism.
He said, “The CAS wishes to reiterate the NAF’s commitment to the highest level of professionalism and transparency in the conduct of operations, in line with appropriate global standards.
“Our absolute value for the life and well-being of every Nigerian remains an integral part of the ethos of the Service, as we sustain the effort to defeat all threats to our nation’s peace, security and prosperity.
“Mindful also of the need to maintain public trust, which is germane to our operational effectiveness, we enjoin all stakeholders to rest assured that the NAF will continue to refine its operational procedures to ensure mission accomplishment while protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure.”
