An aerial operation carried out by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) against suspected Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in Borno State has reportedly resulted in civilian casualties.

Security sources told Premium Times that the airstrikes were conducted between 6:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Monday around the Mararaba axis of Kukawa Local Government Area.

The incident reportedly occurred only hours after the Air Force reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding civilian lives during military operations being conducted with support from the United States.

Fishermen, Drivers Allegedly Hit

According to the source, the strike hit a location where fishermen and commercial drivers had gathered at a junction linking the road to Daban Masara in Kukawa and Badeiri in Marte Local Government Area.

The drivers were reportedly waiting to transport fish and fishermen to nearby communities when the attack occurred.

While the exact number of casualties remains unclear, the source confirmed that at least three people were killed and about 10 vehicles were destroyed, adding that the actual death toll could be significantly higher.

“A large number of civilians were affected, but the precise figure is still unknown,” the source said.

Several injured victims were said to have been rushed to the General Hospital in Monguno for medical attention.

NAF Yet to Issue Official Statement

A serving NAF pilot also confirmed the incident, revealing that it was discussed during an internal briefing held on the same day in a North-Western state. However, as of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Air Force had yet to release an official statement addressing the allegations.

Experts Raise Concerns

A security analyst, Brant Philip, also corroborated the reports, stating that available information suggested the vehicles struck during the operation belonged to fishermen rather than ISWAP fighters.

“There are credible indications that the casualties were civilians,” Philip noted, adding that thousands of fishermen operate within ISWAP-controlled territories, often paying levies to the group in exchange for protection from bandits and rival insurgent factions such as Boko Haram (JAS).

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He explained that civilian economic activity in such areas is not unusual and urged the Air Force to provide clarity on the incident.

“The NAF should address this matter promptly to clear the air and explain what happened,” he said.