The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of civilians and strict adherence to rules of engagement following reports of alleged civilian casualties resulting from air operations carried out in Kurigi Village, Kontokoro District, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
The incident, said to have occurred on Sunday, 25 January 2026, has drawn public attention and concern, prompting the Air Force to immediately activate mechanisms designed to investigate and address any possible civilian harm arising from military operations.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF acknowledged the gravity of the reported loss of lives and injuries, expressing deep concern for the affected families and communities. He stressed that the protection of non-combatants remains a central pillar of the Service’s operational conduct.
According to the statement, the NAF has over the past year strengthened its operational safeguards through the consistent application of its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response – Action Plan (CHMR-AP). The framework integrates civilian protection considerations into every stage of air operations, from mission planning and intelligence gathering to execution and post-operation assessments.
Air Commodore Ejodame explained that the Action Plan has led to enhanced training, stricter procedures, and improved coordination aimed at reducing the risk of civilian casualties, particularly in complex internal security operations where non-state armed groups often operate within civilian populations.
In line with this commitment, the Nigerian Air Force has activated a Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation (CHAI) team to conduct an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the Kurigi incident. The team is expected to examine all operational, intelligence, and technical aspects of the mission in order to establish the facts surrounding the reports.
“The investigation will be guided by the principles of accountability, responsibility, and transparency,” the statement said, adding that the NAF remains prepared to take responsibility where required and to implement necessary corrective measures based on the outcome of the findings.
The Air Force also reiterated that its ongoing operations are aimed at protecting lives and restoring security in communities affected by banditry, insurgency, and other forms of violent criminality. It noted that air operations remain a critical component of joint efforts to support ground forces and deny criminal elements freedom of movement and sanctuary.
While reaffirming its constitutional responsibility to defend the nation, the NAF stressed that it conducts its operations with professionalism, restraint, and respect for international humanitarian law, as well as the trust placed in it by the Nigerian people.
As investigations commence, the Air Force called for calm and assured the public that all credible reports would be thoroughly examined, underscoring its resolve to safeguard innocent lives while continuing to confront threats to national security.
