The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed that the protection of non-combatants remains central to its operational conduct.
This comes as NAF received reports alleging civilian casualties arising from air operations conducted on Sunday, 25 January 2026, in Kurigi Village, Kontokoro District of Mariga Local Government Area, Niger State,
In a statement, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame disclosed that over the past year, the 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.
According to him, in line with this commitment, the 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, the 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,” he added.