We Conduct Airstrikes With Precision, Civilians Not Deliberately Targeted — CDS

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has reiterated that the Nigerian military conducts airstrikes with utmost precision and does not intentionally target civilian populations.

General Musa made the statement during an interview on Arise News Channel’s breakfast programme, The Morning Show, on Monday. He emphasized that the military’s airstrikes are based on careful planning and reliable intelligence, though secondary explosions from weapon stockpiles in targeted areas can sometimes result in unintended harm to nearby civilians.

“Before we conduct airstrikes, we follow up on movements, and I can tell you, when we do airstrikes, we do it with precision,” General Musa said. “We cannot rule out secondary explosions because, within areas where they keep these things, they have weapons, bombs, ammunition, and explosives. Sometimes, when these go off, civilians may be affected. But we do not deliberately target civilian populations. We avoid that as much as possible.”

The CDS also emphasized that every airstrike is preceded by detailed surveillance, including video evidence, to ensure the accuracy of the operation. However, he expressed concern about certain individuals or groups exacerbating the situation by taking advantage of accidental incidents.

“We have videos that we follow up on before any strike is conducted. What is happening now is that, in the past, we’ve had religious and traditional rulers aggravating the situation by taking advantage of these incidents,” he said.

General Musa questioned the timing of accusations regarding accidental airstrikes, suggesting that these claims may be part of a strategy to undermine the military’s progress in combating insurgency.

“Maybe the question we should ask is, why is it that every time we are about to make progress, that’s when you hear about accidental airstrikes here and there?” he added.

He expressed concerns that these reports may be aimed at demoralizing the troops and discrediting the military’s efforts.

“For us, I think it’s just a way of demoralizing the troops and making it look like we don’t know what we are doing,” General Musa stated.

He assured the public that the military was investigating every reported accidental airstrike to maintain transparency and accountability in its operations.

“We are investigating every airstrike they claimed is an accident. Most times, when they say there’s been an airstrike, by the time you get there, they tell you they’ve already buried the people. Why not wait? Let us also come and verify the issue,” he concluded.