The Ibrahim Shekarau-led League of Northern Democrats (LND) has strongly criticised recent airstrikes carried out by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in Zamfara State, calling for restitution.

The Northern Democrats accused the military of operating under the guise of targeting insurgents while failing to prioritise civilian protection.

SolaceBase recalls that about 16 vigilantes were reportedly killed in an airstrike in Kakindawa village, Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State over the weekend.

In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its spokesperson, Dr Ladan Salihu it described the incidents as tragic and unacceptable, calling for accountability and compensation for the families affected.

“These incidents are just too many to be considered accidental,” Salihu said.

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“They expose not only a failure in the NAF’s operational intelligence but also a disturbing lack of commitment to civilian protection, a fundamental tenet of military professionalism and ethics.”

The group called for decisive action from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the Nigerian Armed Forces, urging them to restore public confidence in the military’s ability to act with professionalism and honour.

The LND demands independent investigations into all airstrikes resulting in civilian casualties.

“Court-martial proceedings for those responsible, conducted publicly to ensure transparency.

“A review of military strategy, including overhauling the NAF’s intelligence capabilities, improving precision targeting, and enhancing coordination with ground forces.

“The situation where our people are killed by terrorists and bandits and by our armed forces is unacceptable,” he said.

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The group stressed that the success of the war on terrorism depends on public trust and urged the government to prioritise civilian protection to prevent resentment and mistrust.

“The ongoing war against terrorism cannot succeed if it erodes public trust and fuels resentment among the people it seeks to protect,” the statement read.

The LND expressed solidarity with the victims’ families and reiterated its commitment to holding the government accountable for protecting Nigerian lives.

“Failure to address these issues could undermine Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and threaten national stability”.