Mortal ‘mistakes’, fatal consequences: understanding Nigeria’s mis-targeted counter-insurgency airstrike fatalities

Abstract

ABSTRACT Since 2009, the Nigerian military has engaged in counterinsurgency operations against Boko Haram and other extremists groups in Northern Nigeria, making extensive use of airpower. In such operations, the seeming casual and indiscriminate airstrikes have produced unfortunate scale of collateral damage to both civilians and its own personnel. This paper examines Nigeria’s recurring mis-targeted airstrikes against the backdrop of the country’s protracted and problematic COIN operations. The paper argues that such incidents are not necessarily ’a mistake’ or ‘a mishap’, but a reflection of the limitations of airpower capabilities. Going forward, Nigeria’s endeavours at countering insurgency and allied threats need to be systematically repositioned in a manner that guarantees optimal operational efficiency and precision. This requires improvements in combat techniques and technology as well as in command and intelligence capabilities of the forces.