Salary, Zamfara
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal
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Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal says some residents were killed during the airstrike carried out by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Tungar Kara in Maradun Local Government Area of the state.

There were reports that 16 civilians were killed during the airstrike targeting bandits in Zamfara State.

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Reports from the community alleged that 16 residents, including members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guard (ZCPG) and vigilantes, were mistakenly killed during the operation.

Speaking on the incident, the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, AVM Olusola Akinboyewa, in a statement on Sunday, January 12, 2025, said the airstrike, conducted under Operation Fansan Yamma on Friday, January 10, was a “devastatingly well-coordinated air-ground assault” targeting bandits in Zamfara State.

Akinboyewa added that there was no credible evidence to support reports that residents were killed during the operation.

However, Governor Lawal, in a statement issued on Sunday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Sulaiman Idris, some members of the Civilian Joint Task Force and local vigilantes were killed during the airstrike.

The governor stated: “We have received multiple positive reports of precision strikes carried out by the Air Component of Operation Fansar Yamma over the weekend in troubled Maradun and Zurmi local government areas.

NAF keeps mum on civilian casualties, says terrorists killed in Zamfara airstrike

“This intervention by the military has significantly degraded the operational capacity of the bandits and has shown the commitment of the Nigeria Air Force to carrying out its constitutional mandate of protecting civilians and safeguarding the lives and property of the people.

“As a responsible government, the Zamfara State Government remains committed to sustaining the gains made in the fight against banditry and related criminalities.

“The recent success is a testament to the collaborative efforts between the state and federal security agencies, which have yielded positive results.

“In light of these achievements, the state government reaffirms its commitment to providing all necessary support to the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies to sustain their operations and bring lasting peace to the state.

“We will continue to offer support to enhance intelligence sharing, provide logistics, and strengthen community engagement, all in the spirit of a comprehensive approach to security and achieving the ultimate goal of restoring normalcy across all parts of the state.

“Regrettably, some members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) and local vigilantes were also affected during the operation in Tungar Kara, resulting in the loss of lives.

“We pray to Almighty Allah to grant them Jannah.

“The government will provide necessary support and assistance to the bereaved families.

Lawal called on the people of Zamfara State to be vigilant, report all suspicious activities, and cooperate fully with security personnel.

“Through collective effort and unity of purpose, the fight against banditry can be won, bringing enduring peace and stability to Zamfara State,” the governor added.

The Star

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