The Armed Forces of Nigeria is poised to punish personnel found guilty in the December 3 accidental killing of over 100 civilians in Tudun Biri in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, said this in Abuja on Friday, assuring that those found culpable at the end of an independent investigation ordered by President Bola Tinubu would be punished.

Mr Musa said the military, as a disciplined organisation, would not shield any officer found culpable in the incident.

“If they are found guilty, they will definitely face punishment, and I can assure you that we are going to be transparent about it,” said Mr Musa.

Fielding questions from journalists at his maiden interaction with the media, Mr Musa said the incident was highly regrettable.

Stating that the military was to protect civilians and not to kill, Mr Musa maintained that the Nigerian Army was “in the heat of pursuing some bandits” within the area.

“I am happy the Commander-in-Chief has instituted a committee to look into the incident and advise on how to move forward and how to prevent a recurrence,’’ Mr Musa said.

Mr Musa said the committee would ensure fairness in its investigation, just as he recalled that personnel were jailed in Borno State for various crimes.

“In the armed forces, we do not shield offenders. You commit an offence, you go for it, and that is why we have that level of discipline,’’ he said.

Mr Musa urged Nigerians to await the investigation’s outcome.

The tragedy at Tudun Biri saw dozens killed and many others injured after being hit by a misfire from drones belonging to the Nigerian military.

Tudun Biri’s incident comes as the latest among many other bombings of civilians by the Nigerian Army. In 2021, Peoples Gazette reported that the Nigerian Air Force Alpha jet, in an ariel attack on armed bandits in Niger State, mistakenly killed wedding guests. A similar bombing claimed over 100 civilians in January 2023.

(NAN)