In response to allegations made by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigerian (MACBAN), the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) categorically denies any wrongdoing and emphasizes that no innocent individuals were harmed during an airstrike in Nasarawa State earlier this year.
The NAF clarifies that the operation effectively neutralized terrorists who posed a threat to innocent civilians.
Air Commodore Ayodele Famuyiwa, the Director of Public Relations at NAF Headquarters, addressed the issue while fielding questions regarding the investigation’s outcome.
Moreover, prominent human rights organizations have expressed their opinion on the matter, following MACBAN’s claim that dozens of herders lost their lives in an alleged attack in the Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The herders were reportedly returning from Makurdi, where they had gone to reclaim their cattle confiscated by the Benue State Livestock Guard for violating anti-open grazing legislation.
Famuyiwa challenges those alleging innocent casualties to substantiate their claims with evidence and encourages media outlets to conduct impartial investigations to reveal the truth.
He also expresses concern over attempts by certain human rights bodies to discredit the military, suggesting that the Nigerian press is relying on these organizations without adequately verifying the Air Force’s perspective.
Famuyiwa provides an account of the events, explaining that the operation was conducted based on credible intelligence reports from various sources regarding terrorist activities in the area.
The Operation Whirl Stroke, an ongoing military initiative, was aimed at countering criminal elements in the region.
Surveillance confirmed the presence of terrorists exhibiting distinctive tactics, such as arriving on motorbikes, converging in a specific location, and then dispersing and hiding.
This surveillance continued throughout the day until a truck, suspected to be transporting logistics for the terrorists, appeared in the area. Authorized by the appropriate authority, the Air Force targeted and eliminated the truck.
In response to claims of innocent casualties, Famuyiwa challenges the press and the accusers to provide evidence such as photographs of the truck transporting the cattle or the deceased bodies.
He asserts that the Air Force’s position remains unchanged: terrorists were the sole targets of the operation. Famuyiwa further emphasizes that if anyone believes innocent individuals were harmed, the burden of proof lies with them.
He acknowledges that certain classified information cannot be disclosed at this time but urges the press to conduct more thorough investigations.
Since the incident, there have been no reports of subsequent terrorist activities in the area.
Famuyiwa concludes by urging the press to exercise greater diligence in their reporting. According to the Air Force, no innocent persons were harmed, and it is imperative for those claiming otherwise to provide substantial evidence while allowing the truth to prevail.
