The Nigerian military has announced that two officers will face court-martial proceedings following the conclusion of an investigation into a tragic drone bombing incident in Tudun Biri village, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The incident, which took place on December 3, 2023, resulted in numerous casualties and injuries among civilians gathered to celebrate Maulud, an Islamic festival.
Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, revealed these details during a press briefing at Defence Headquarters in Abuja. According to Buba, the investigation determined that the operation, which led to the unfortunate deaths and injuries, should not have occurred and was the result of a grievous mistake.
The Daily Trust previously reported on the incident, highlighting the severe impact on the communities of Tudun Biri, Ugara, and Sabon Gida. Following the event, the Nigerian Army took responsibility for the drone strike, attributing it to an error in execution.
While the full details of the investigation report are not publicly disclosed due to constraints, Buba confirmed that the findings have been submitted to the appropriate military and defense authorities for further action. The decision to court-martial the involved officers underscores the military’s commitment to accountability and its protocol for addressing such serious incidents.
This development comes amid increasing scrutiny of military operations in civilian areas and is part of broader efforts to ensure such tragic errors are not repeated. The court-martial not only seeks to bring justice to the affected communities but also serves as a deterrent against potential operational oversights in the future.