‘Two killed’, many injured as military helicopter opens fire on Niger state community

Helicopter

At least two civilians have reportedly been killed after a security force helicopter opened fire on civilians in Kurgi, Maria LGA of Niger state.

The incident, which occurred on January 25, was also said to have left several people, including children, injured.

According to a report by Aldebaran Threat Consultants, the aircraft hovered the area before the operation.

The air strike was said to be part of a wave of military operations launched in Kwara and Niger around January 20 in response to a surge in crime and terrorism in northern areas of the state over the past months.

Reacting to the incident in a statement, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said it had taken note of allegations of civilian casualties following its air operations in Kurigi village.

The statement signed by Ehimen Ejodame, NAF spokesperson, said the force “acknowledges the gravity of the reported loss of lives and injuries” and expressed “deep concern for all affected”.

“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,” the statement reads.

NAF said a civilian harm accident and investigation (CHAI) team has been activated to carry out 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,” the statement reads. Punch