By: Zagazola Makama
In a significant development, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has directed a full-scale investigation into reports of civilian casualties following a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) airstrike in Yauni Hill, Zakka Ward, Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The airstrike, which took place on February 15, 2025, was part of Operation Fasan Yanma—a crucial operation targeting bandits responsible for a deadly attack on a Police Mobile Force (PMF) base. This ambush, which led to the tragic deaths of two PMF officers and four vigilantes, prompted swift action by NAF air assets to strike what was believed to be the assailants’ hideout in the rugged terrain of Yauni Hill.
In an official statement released on February 17, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, the Director of Public Relations and Information for the NAF, confirmed that multiple bandits were neutralized during the operation. However, Akinboyewa also addressed the mounting allegations of civilian casualties, stating that these claims were being taken with the utmost seriousness and would be subjected to a thorough investigation.
“While these allegations are deeply concerning, they remain unverified until the investigation is completed,” Akinboyewa stated. “The Nigerian Air Force follows strict rules of engagement and adheres to internationally recognized standards aimed at minimizing collateral damage. The safety and well-being of Nigerian civilians remain our utmost priority.”
The airstrike, part of ongoing efforts to curb the banditry crisis in northern Nigeria, has raised questions about the balance between military operations and the protection of innocent lives. While the NAF is committed to neutralizing the threat posed by criminal elements, the reported civilian casualties highlight the complex and often painful realities of counterinsurgency operations.
The investigation comes at a time when the Nigerian military faces increasing scrutiny over its operations, particularly in areas where the line between combatants and civilians can often be blurred. As the investigation unfolds, all eyes will be on the NAF’s transparency and accountability in addressing these grave concerns.
This development underscores the delicate nature of the fight against banditry and insurgency, where the loss of innocent lives—whether during military operations or through criminal violence—remains a critical issue that must be managed with the utmost care and responsibility. The outcome of the investigation will likely shape future strategies and policies as the Nigerian military continues its battle against the scourge of banditry in the north.
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