At least two civilians have reportedly been killed and several others injured after a military helicopter opened fire in Kurigi, Maria Local Government Area of Niger State.
The incident occurred on January 25, during a military operation in the area.
Reports indicate that the helicopter hovered over the village before firing, leaving residents in shock.
Some of the injured are said to include children, highlighting the tragic impact of the strike on the community.
According to Aldebaran Threat Consultants, the operation was part of a broader wave of military actions launched in Niger and neighboring Kwara State from January 20.
These operations were reportedly aimed at curbing a recent surge in criminal and terrorist activities in the northern regions of Niger State.
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In response to the incident, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) acknowledged the reports of civilian casualties. A statement signed by NAF spokesperson Ehimen Ejodame expressed “deep concern for all affected” and reassured the public that the incident is being taken seriously.
“The NAF has consistently applied its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response-Action Plan (CHMR-AP), embedding civilian protection measures into all phases of operations,” the statement read.
The NAF has activated a Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation (CHAI) team to conduct an “immediate and comprehensive investigation” into the reported casualties.
The force emphasized its commitment to accountability, transparency, and minimizing harm to civilians while carrying out operations.
Residents of Kurigi have called for urgent humanitarian assistance for those affected and urged the authorities to ensure that such incidents do not recur.
The investigation by the NAF team is ongoing, and further updates are expected as authorities assess the full scale of casualties and damage.