Tragic Accidental Bombing Not True Reflection of NAF’s Professionalism – Minister

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has
described as utterly tragic the accidental bombing of a civilian
community in Rann, Borno State, by a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) jet,
causing deaths and injuries.

In a statement in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister sends his
condolences to the families of those who died in the unfortunate
bombing and prays for quick recovery for the injured.

Alhaji Mohammed, who recently led members of the BBOG and the media to
Yola, where the Air Component of the fight against Boko Haram is
based, said he was particularly saddened because the accidental
bombing is not a true reflection of the level of professionalism that
he witnessed during the visit

”One of the things we went away with after spending some two days at
the Tactical Air Command in Yola is the strict adherence to
operational guidelines and the high level of professionalism of the
officers and men, especially the young pilots who fly high-risk
missions day and night.

”Among others, we witnessed pre- and post-mission briefings for the
pilots, the high attention paid to details, especially concerning
emergencies and weather, and the evacuation plan in case of accidents.
We heard that on several occasions during their sorties, fighter
pilots have had to hold their fire after observing the movement of
women and children in Sambisa. We also witnessed the same careful
disposition when we flew to Sambisa with the pilots.

”It therefore came to me as a rude shock to learn, a few hours after
leaving Yola, that one of the fighter jets has accidentally bombed
civilians, including aid workers,” he said.

The Minister urged the NAF to continue to take the necessary measures
to avoid civilian casualties, as it carries out its challenging task
of keeping Nigerians safe