By Olukayode Idowu, Borno
The Nigerian Armed Forces have denied media reports indicating that some civilians were bombed to death in air strikes conducted by the Air Task Force of Operation LAFIYA DOLE at Shokotoko Village in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State on last Thursday.
In a statement signed by the Coordinator, Defence Media Operations (DMO) Major-General John Enenche, the Nigerian Armed Forces said the operation conducted on the night of 9 April all through the early hours of 10 April 2020, was based on credible intelligence reports, obtained from land forces and other security agencies as well as reliable, vetted informants, which confirmed that the target location was occupied solely by Boko Haram Terrorists.
He said: “As customary, the attack helicopter that executed the mission was accompanied by an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft to ensure proper targeting for avoidance of collateral damage. Besides, 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, especially women and children, are present. In such cases, the pilots would rather return to Base with their munitions unexpended. “Consequently, on the strength of the foregoing, the location was considered a legitimate target.”
He said to allay public concerns occasioned by the media reports, the Armed Forces has ordered an investigation of the attack in its bid to ensure that the military operates within the extant regulations and best practices and demonstrable accountable to Nigerians.
“We wish to reassure the general public that the AFN, in keeping with its professional responsibility, will continue to work assiduously to rid the North East of all terrorist elements with a view to facilitating a return to normalcy that would enable Nigerians in the area pursue their legitimate aspirations.”
