The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) categorically denied any participation in the bombing incident that resulted in casualties in Tudun Biri village, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Earlier reports from Kaduna had alleged that a NAF-operated jet dropped a bomb around 9 pm on Sunday during a Maulud celebration, leading to multiple casualties.
In response to these claims, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the spokesperson for the Air Force, clarified that NAF has not conducted any air operations in Kaduna within the past 24 hours. He emphasized that NAF is not the exclusive service utilizing combat-armed drones within the region.
Commodore Gabkwet’s statement aims to dispel the notion of NAF’s involvement in the tragic incident and highlights the broader context of multiple services operating combat drones in the area.
See the full statement below
THE NAF HAS NOT UNDERTAKEN ANY AIR OPERATIONS IN KADUNA STATE IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
The news making the rounds alleging that Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft accidentally killed innocent civilians in Kaduna is false. Please be informed that the NAF has not carried out any air operations within Kaduna State and its environs in the last 24 hours. Also, note that the NAF is not the only organization operating combat-armed drones in the Northwestern region of Nigeria.
It is also important to ensure that due diligence is always exhausted by the media before going to press with unverified and unconfirmed reports.
Thank you.
Edward Gabkwet
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force