According to reports, an unknown number of people were killed in an attack by the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) that targeted members 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 Borno State’s Kukawa Local Government Area between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m.
A few hours prior to the incident, NAF had promised to safeguard civilian populations in its continuing operations, which were backed by the US.
The source claims that fisherman and commercial drivers congregated at a terminus intersection between the road leading to Daban Masara in Kukawa and the Badeiri in Marte LGA were murdered by the airstrikes.
To transport fishermen and fish products to their destinations, commercial drivers had congregated in the area.
“The number of civilians killed is uncertain,” the source stated, confirming three casualties and ten vehicles being destroyed. However, there have been numerous civilian deaths and vehicle destruction.
A few casualties had been transported to the General Hospital in Mungono for treatment, he continued.
The incident was corroborated by a NAF officer, a pilot, who told Premium Times that it was mentioned at “today’s briefing” in a Northwestern state.
The incident has not been addressed by the Air Force.
Security analyst Brant Philip also confirmed the occurrence, writing: “There were significant civilian casualties in the Nigerian Air Force airstrikes yesterday in Borno State, and reports indicate these vehicles belonged to fishermen, not ISWAP.”
“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 who guarantees them security from bandits and rival group Boko Haram (JAS).”
