NAF Reaffirms Civilian Protection, Probes Reported Incident in Kurigi

Oru Leonard 

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), has expressed concern over reports of alleged civilian casualties following air operations carried out on Sunday, 25 January 2026, in Kurigi Village, Kontokoro District of Mariga Local Government Area, Niger State.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the NAF had noted the reports and acknowledged the seriousness of the alleged loss of lives and injuries.
“The Nigerian Air Force has noted reports alleging civilian casualties following air operations conducted in Kurigi Village, Niger State. We acknowledge the gravity of the reported loss of lives and injuries and express our deep concern for all those affected,” Ejodame said.

He reaffirmed that the protection of civilians and other non-combatants remains central to the conduct of NAF operations, stressing that the service has continued to prioritise measures aimed at minimising civilian harm.
According to him, the NAF has, over the past year, consistently implemented its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan, integrating civilian protection considerations into all phases of its operations while strengthening training, procedures, and operational safeguards.

Ejodame disclosed that a Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation (CHAI) team had been activated to conduct an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the reported incident.
“Guided by the principles of accountability, responsibility, and transparency, the Nigerian Air Force remains resolute in taking responsibility where required, implementing necessary improvements, and safeguarding innocent lives, while continuing to defend the nation with professionalism and restraint,” he said.

The NAF assured Nigerians of its commitment to maintaining public trust while carrying out its constitutional mandate to protect the country.