NAF begins probe as accidental airstrike kill two, injure children in Niger

Following the reported killing of two residents of Kurigi community and injury of six others by a military aircraft during operation against bandits in Niger State, the Nigerian Airforce has activated an investigation team to probe the incident.

Residents had said a surveillance military helicopter hovered over the community for several minutes on Sunday before opening fire

According to a source, the gunshots struck residents in their homes.

One of the residents, Suleiman Sanusi, said the incident has heightened fear in the area, forcing many people to flee their homes to Bangi town and other safer locations.

Sanusi described the attack as surprising and unprovoked, and called on relevant authorities to urgently investigate the incident and provide medical assistance to those injured.

Reacting to the development yesterday, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, said investigation into the incident was in line with the NAF’s principles of accountability, responsibility, and transparency.

He assured Nigerians of NAF’s unwavering resolve to take responsibility where required, implement necessary improvements and safeguard innocent lives.

The NAF spokesman, who disclosed this in a statement, titled “NAF Reaffirms Commitment to Civilian Protection Following Reported Incident in Kurigi, Niger State,’’ said: “The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has noted reports alleging civilian casualties, following air operations conducted on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Kurigi Village, Kontokoro District, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.

“NAF acknowledges the gravity of the reported loss of lives and injuries and conveys its deep concern for all affected, while reaffirming that the protection of non-combatants remains central to its operational conduct.

“Over the past year, NAF has consistently applied its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response – Action Plan (CHMR-AP), embedding civilian protection considerations into all phases of operations, while strengthening training, procedures and safeguards aimed at minimising harm.

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“In line with this commitment, NAF has activated a Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation, CHAI, team to commence an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the reported incident.

“Guided by the principles of accountability, responsibility, and transparency, NAF assures Nigerians of its unwavering resolve to take responsibility where required, implement necessary improvements, and safeguard innocent lives, while continuing to defend the nation with professionalism, restraint and respect for the trust placed in it by the Nigerian people.”