The Defence Headquarters said on Thursday that two of its officers involved in the Tudun Biri, Kaduna State mistaken air strike that killed over 70 persons are to face a court martial.
Recall that on the December 3, 2023, a military drone on a routine counter-terrorism operation in Tundun Biri village in Kaduna State, had mistaken the movement patterns of villagers celebrating Maulud for those of bandits.
An airstrike was called in, leading to the death of 85 people, while up to 66 were injured.
The director, defence media operations Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, said while addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday that the board of inquiry into the incident had concluded investigations.
He added that the military had initiated disciplinary action against those found culpable.
“Those involved are going to face a court martial for acts of omission or commission with respect to the incident.”
“However, I’m constrained to speak much about the incident as it would be prejudicial being a case before a court martial.
“But it must be made clear that the incident was a mistake. The victims of the strike were mistaken for terrorists,” he said
Buba further said the chief of defence staff, officers and personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria console with the families and loved ones of all those killed by the sad air strike.
“It is hoped that there would be no repeat of strikes on non-combatants in ongoing operations.
“The military will take extra precautions in the future to ensure that non-combatants are safe,” he added.
