The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has established a committee of officers to gather all claims of unintentional airstrikes on civilians and to examine the events leading up to such incidents.
At the opening ceremony of the 2022 Air Operations Seminar on Thursday in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, made this declaration.
In order to reduce future incidents of civilian collateral damage during NAF operations, he stated the committee would develop comprehensive procedures.
Amao stated that an investigation aims to foster responsibility, give NAF the opportunity to learn important lessons in order to prevent or mitigate similar situations in the future, as well as take further precautions to reduce civilian injury and casualties in war zones.
“The efforts to mitigate civilian casualties are not just a reflection of NAF values as a Service, but also strategically imperative to our operations,” he said, according to a statement by NAF spokesman, Edward Gabkwet.
On Nigeria’s security challenges, he noted that the Armed Forces of Nigeria has made significant gains in curtailing and degrading the resources and capabilities of miscreants that seek to destabilise the nation.
While congratulating 17 young pilots Amao implored them to be prepared for the arduous task ahead.
“There is no better way to launch you into your operational flying career than to have you draw from the rich operational experiences of seasoned pilots who will be discussing germane issues relevant to air operations,” he said.