By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has ordered an immediate investigation into reports of alleged civilian casualties following an air operation conducted on Jan. 25 in Kurigi Village, Kontokoro District, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger.

This is contained in a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Ejodame said the investigation would be carried out by a Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation (CHAI) team to establish facts surrounding the reported incident.

He said that NAF regarded the protection of civilians as a core component of its operational conduct and had continued to integrate safeguards to minimise harm to non-combatants during air operations.

Ejodame said the service had, over the past year, implemented its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response–Action Plan (CHMR-AP), which embedded civilian protection considerations into all phases of operations through improved planning, training and strict rules of engagement.

According to him, the NAF has strengthened post-operation assessments and accountability mechanisms to ensure transparency and continuous improvement in its operational processes.

The NAF spokesman said the outcome of the investigation would guide any necessary remedial actions, adding that the air force remained committed to professionalism, restraint and respect for the rule of law in the discharge of its constitutional mandate.

He assured Nigerians that NAF would take responsibility where required and continue to conduct operations with precision while safeguarding innocent lives. (NAN)