The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, visited Zamfara State on 6 March 2025 to meet with victims and families affected by the tragic airstrike incident, expressing deep regret over the loss and injuries caused. The incident, which occurred on 11 January 2025, was a painful departure from the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) mission of safeguarding citizens.
During his visit, Air Marshal Abubakar met with Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara to reaffirm the NAF’s commitment to protecting lives and minimizing such incidents in the future. The CAS commended the Governor’s leadership and his 6-Point Development Agenda, which focuses on security, agriculture, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment. He assured the Governor of the NAF’s continued partnership in addressing security challenges and promoting peace in the region.
Details of the Incident and Response
The CAS provided a detailed explanation of the events leading to the airstrike. On 11 January 2025, intelligence reports indicated the movement of suspected terrorists through Dangebe Village in Maradun Local Government Area. The area had been targeted a day earlier in an effort to neutralize terrorist elements loyal to Bello Turji, a notorious bandit leader. However, reports later indicated that the airstrike may have mistakenly killed members of a local vigilante group who were returning from an operation against terrorists.
A fact-finding team was immediately deployed to assess the situation, and the findings confirmed that 11 vigilante members were unintentionally killed, while another 11 sustained injuries. The CAS expressed deep regret, stating that the NAF acknowledges the pain caused and remains committed to protecting lives and preventing such incidents in the future.
Support for Victims and Community
In an effort to mitigate the suffering, the CAS announced that financial support would be provided to the families of the deceased, and that a solar-powered borehole would be built in Kambarawa Village to serve the local community and neighbouring settlements. The CAS also committed to replacing the two motorcycles destroyed in the strike and reconstructing the damaged building in the affected village.
These efforts, though unable to undo the loss, demonstrate the NAF’s resolve to make amends and provide relief to the affected families and community.
NAF’s Commitment to Improvement
The CAS also highlighted the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (NAF CHMR-AP), which has been developed to enhance operational precision and ensure effective responses when civilian harm occurs. The initiative aims to improve assessments, refine operational strategies, and strengthen the NAF’s capacity to minimize civilian harm, ensuring success across military operations.
Reaffirmation of NAF’s Commitment
Reassuring the Governor and the people of Zamfara, the CAS emphasized the NAF’s ongoing commitment to working closely with local authorities and security agencies to curb terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities in the North West. He reiterated the Air Force’s determination to improve coordination with local communities and ensure that future operations are conducted with greater precision and better intelligence gathering.
Governor Lawal expressed his gratitude to the CAS for visiting the affected families and for the proactive steps taken to prevent future occurrences. He also presented the NAF with a Certificate of Occupancy for a parcel of land near Gusau airport, designated for the establishment of a new Air Force Base.
This visit underscores the NAF’s commitment to accountability, operational refinement, and community engagement as part of its evolving role in Nigeria’s security architecture.
Kabiru Ali
Group Captain
Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information
Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force
6 March 2025
