The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has rejected the allegations made by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) that numerous innocent members were killed in an airstrike in Nasarawa State earlier this year. Air Force Spokesman Ayodele Famuyiwa stated during a media briefing in Abuja that the association’s narrative was unfounded and far-fetched. Meanwhile, the DHQ announced that 64 terrorists, bandits, and other criminals were killed, and 175 others were arrested in operations conducted by troops in collaboration with various security agencies across the country.
According to Major General Musa Danmadami, the Director of Defence Media Operations (DMO), the military recovered 41 AK47 rifles, rescued 34 abducted civilians, and seized stolen crude oil products valued at N82.445 million in the Niger Delta from June 1 to June 15, 2023. The briefing provided updates on the activities and successes of the troops in different operational theaters within the country’s six geopolitical zones.
There have been ongoing concerns raised by human rights organizations, including Amnesty International (AI), regarding the allegation made by Miyetti Allah that a group of herders was killed in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State in January while returning from Makurdi, where they went to reclaim their cows seized for violating Benue State’s anti-open grazing law.
Air Commodore Famuyiwa, addressing the media, refuted the claim that innocent people were killed during the operation. He challenged those making the allegations to provide evidence and urged the press to conduct thorough investigations before aligning with the positions of human rights groups. Famuyiwa explained that intelligence reports indicated the presence of terrorists planning a massive attack and kidnapping students in the area, leading to surveillance and subsequent action.
The Air Force spokesperson emphasized the need for substantial evidence supporting the claims of innocent casualties. He requested proof of the truck carrying the cattle and questioned the absence of photographs showing the bodies of the deceased. Famuyiwa stressed that no innocent individuals were killed during the operation and called on those making the allegations to provide credible evidence.
During the briefing, Major General Danmadami shared details of recovered weapons and various items seized from the North-east zone. The troops recovered firearms, ammunition, explosives, food items, money, and other supplies from Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists. Additionally, they neutralized 20 terrorists, captured suspects, and apprehended logistics suppliers and criminal gang members.
In summary, the DHQ dismissed the claims made by Miyetti Allah regarding innocent casualties, emphasizing the need for substantial evidence. The military provided updates on successful operations against terrorists, bandits, and criminal elements in different parts of the country, sharing details of recovered weapons and seized items.
