Airstrike Tragedy in Northern Nigeria: Civilians Caught in Deadly Crossfire

An airstrike in Nigeria's Kaduna state killed at least 24 people after the Nigerian Air Force targeted a village based on credible intelligence. This incident is part of a pattern of aerial assaults that have mistakenly killed civilians. A thorough investigation is currently underway.

At least 24 people were killed in an airstrike on a village in Nigeria's northern Kaduna state. The tragic incident, reported by local residents and officials, occurred after the Nigerian Air Force launched an operation to target armed gangs and their hideouts.

The Sept. 27 airstrike is the latest in a series of deadly military assaults that have inadvertently killed civilians. Earlier reports, highlighted in a Reuters special in June 2023, revealed a concerning pattern of such errors during Nigeria's aggressive military campaigns against Islamist insurgents and armed kidnapping gangs.

While the Air Force has launched an investigation into the Kaduna strike, they emphasized that the operation was based on credible intelligence and confirmatory surveillance. However, residents like Muhammad Hussaini claim the strike hit a local mosque instead of the intended armed gangs. The military is committed to thoroughly investigating the incident to provide the public with accurate information.

(With inputs from agencies.)