An unknown number of civilians have reportedly been killed in an airstrike carried out by the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) on militants of the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno State.
A security source told Premium Times that the airstrikes were carried out in the Mararaba area of Kukawa Local Government Area, Borno State, between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The event happened a few hours after NAF promised to safeguard civilian populations during its continuing, US-backed operations.
The source claims that the airstrikes killed commercial truckers and fishermen who were gathering at a terminus intersection between the Badeiri in Marte LGA and the road leading to Daban Masara in Kukawa.
To transport the fishermen and fish goods to their destinations, commercial drivers had assembled in the vicinity.
“The number of civilians killed is uncertain,” the source stated, confirming three casualties and the destruction of ten vehicles. However, a significant number of citizens have died and cars have been damaged.
He said that some casualties had been transported to Mungono’s General Hospital for medical attention.
According to a pilot and NAF officer who confirmed the occurrence to Premium Times, it was mentioned at “today’s briefing” in a Northwestern state.
Regarding the event, the Air Force has not released a statement.
“Reports indicate these vehicles belonged to fishermen, not ISWAP, and there were large civilian casualties in the Nigerian Air Force airstrikes yesterday in Borno State,” noted security analyst Brant Philip, corroborating the incident.
“It’s not unusual at all for civilians to be working and living in these areas; the NAF should release a statement soon to clarify the incident,” he continued. “Over 10,000 fishermen work in ISWAP territory, paying taxes to the proto-state that guarantees them security from bandits and rival group Boko Haram (JAS).”
