Nigerian Air Force investigates after helicopter fire kills civilians in Niger State

At least two civilians have reportedly been killed, with several others—including children—injured, after a Nigerian security forces helicopter opened fire in Kurigi, Mariga Local Government Area, Niger State, on January 25.

A report by Aldebaran Threat Consultants indicated that the aircraft hovered over the area prior to the operation.

The airstrike was part of a series of military operations launched in Kwara and Niger States around January 20, aimed at countering a surge in crime and terrorism in the northern parts of the states over recent months.

Reacting to the incident, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) acknowledged the allegations of civilian casualties and expressed “deep concern for all affected,” in a statement signed by Ehimen Ejodame, NAF spokesperson.

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The NAF emphasized that over the past year, it has implemented its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response-Action Plan (CHMR-AP), integrating civilian protection considerations into all operational phases while strengthening training, procedures, and safeguards to minimize harm.

A Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation (CHAI) team has been activated to conduct an “immediate and comprehensive investigation” into the reported incident.

The statement concluded: “Guided by the principles of accountability, responsibility, and transparency, the NAF assures Nigerians of its unwavering resolve to take responsibility where required, implement necessary improvements, and safeguard innocent lives, while continuing to defend the nation with professionalism, restraint, and respect for the trust placed in it by the Nigerian people.”