‘Inappropriate Marking’ Caused Rann IDP Camp Bombing – DHQ

The Defence Headquarters has explained the cause of the air strike by the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, on an Internally Displaced Persons camp in Rann, Borno State.

Recall that in January 2017, a fighter jet belonging to the Nigeria Air Force mistakenly bombed the Rann IDP camp in Kala-balge Local Government Area, killing at least 54 people.

Following the incident, NAF set up a board to investigate the bombing.

Speaking to journalist on the board of inquiry, John Enenche, Director Defence Information, said lack of appropriate marking led to the ugly incident.

Mr. Enenche said the bombing was carried out on the location because it was not “reflected in the operational map as a humanitarian base”.

“Hitherto, people were not expected to amass at that location,” the major general said.

“The normal pattern for Boko Haram terrorists to form up before attacking innocent civilians and troops is to amass. Hence, it appeared as a place that could equally be used for enemy activities.

“Thus, when the mass movement was noticed through aerial satellite observation, it was taken for Boko Haram terrorists’ activity, which needed to be neutralised with speed,” he added.

Mr. Enenche said the board came up with a number of recommendations to prevent future occurrence of the incident.

The recommendations according to the army chief include include to identify all the geographical and spatial coordinates of all areas of humanitarian activities within the area of operations which must be provided to the Theatre Command Headquarters.

He noted that places in the theatre of operation would be “marked appropriately for ground and aerial identification in line with international best practices.

“There should be a timely and mandatory exchange of information between stakeholders, for all activities in the theater of operation.’’