The Nigerian military has refuted alleged reports of killing civilians
in airstrikes of Operation Lafiya Dole (OPLD) in Shokotoko village of
Damboa Council of Borno state.
Coordinator of Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen. John Enenche; in a
statement Wednesday in Abuja said: “April 9, 2020 military operations
were based on credible intelligence reports from ground armed forces
and other security agencies.
According to him; “the operations were also based on reliable, vetted
informants, which confirmed that the target location was occupied
mainly by Boko Haram terrorists.”
He also explained that the attack helicopter that executed the mission
was accompanied by an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance
(ISR) aircraft to ensure proper targeting.
“The proper targeting was to prevent any collateral damage on
civilians in Sambisa Forest,” he said.
Continued; “It must be noted that, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) pilots, by
training and in line with extant Rules of Engagement (ROEs) for the
operation, do not attack any location if it is observed that
non-combatants, including women and children, are present.
“In such cases, the pilots would rather return to base with their
munitions unexpended.”
He said on the strength of the foregoing, the location was considered
a legitimate target.
He noted that an investigation is being carried out and subsequent
actions will be taken in line with extant regulations and best
practices, while being accountable to the people.
The coordinator therefore; assured the public that the AFN, in line
with professionalism will continue to work in ridding terrorists from
the Northeast.
“This will facilitate the return to normalcy that would enable people
go about with their legitimate businesses in insurgency affected
states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe,” he said.
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