Precision or Tragedy? Nigeria's CDS defends military airstrikes amid civilian casualty concerns - Ripples Nigeria
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Precision or Tragedy? Nigeria’s CDS defends military airstrikes amid civilian casualty concerns

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In the wake of the tragic accidental airstrike that killed 16 civilians in Zamfara State on Saturday, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has shed light on the military’s protocols and challenges in combating insurgency.

Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Monday, Musa sought to address public concerns and dispel allegations of negligence by the military.

General Musa emphasized that the Nigerian military adheres to strict procedures before executing any airstrike, with a commitment to precision and minimizing civilian harm. He explained that all strikes are based on rigorous intelligence and surveillance.

“The issue of airstrikes is the same across all theatres of operation. Before we conduct any airstrike, we track movements and ensure precision. Civilians are never deliberately targeted,” Musa asserted.

However, he acknowledged the possibility of unintended consequences, such as secondary explosions caused by insurgents storing weapons and explosives in civilian areas.

“Within areas where terrorists keep weapons, bombs, and ammunition, secondary explosions can occur. This can tragically affect civilians, but it is never our intention,” he added.

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Musa questioned the timing of allegations surrounding accidental airstrikes, suggesting that such claims often arise when the military is making significant progress against insurgents.

“Why is it that when we are succeeding, you suddenly hear these reports of accidental airstrikes? It feels like an attempt to demoralize our troops and undermine the Air Force,” he said.

The CDS also urged patience and cooperation, calling on communities to allow investigations to verify incidents before drawing conclusions. He highlighted cases where claims of civilian casualties were made without giving the military a chance to confirm or refute them.

“Most times, before we can even investigate, we’re told the victims have already been buried. Why not wait and allow us to verify these issues?” Musa queried.

Beyond the controversy surrounding airstrikes, General Musa painted a grim picture of the tactics employed by insurgents to sustain their operations. He revealed that terrorists have shifted from forcibly recruiting adult males to systematically impregnating women to raise a new generation of fighters.

“In the past, terrorists captured communities and forced men to join their ranks. Those who refused were executed. But now that they have lost territories, they are resorting to impregnating women repeatedly,” Musa disclosed.

He provided chilling statistics: out of the 120,000 insurgents who have surrendered, over 60,000 are children—a stark reminder of how deeply ingrained the cycle of violence has become.

“After giving birth, women are impregnated again within four months. This is a deliberate strategy to produce a new set of terrorists,” he explained.

General Musa’s remarks reflect the complexities of fighting insurgency in a conflict zone where the lines between civilian and combatant often blur. While the military grapples with the dual challenge of defeating terrorists and avoiding collateral damage, Musa appealed to Nigerians for understanding and support.

“The fight against terrorism is not easy, but we are committed to protecting lives and restoring peace. We need cooperation, patience, and trust to ensure that we achieve these goals,” he concluded.

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