Nigerian Army Apologizes After Accidental Drone Strike

Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff visited Tudun Biri village, where an army drone strike accidentally killed at least 85 civilians on Sunday. The military claimed that troops were carrying out aerial patrols when they mistakenly analyzed a group of people as bandits before the drone strike.

The incident has plunged residents of Kaduna State’s Igabi district into mourning. The National Emergency Management Agency reported 66 people being treated at the hospital, and the army will pay the medical bills of the wounded.

Nigeria’s army chief met with local community leaders to apologize. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered an investigation, and the UN human rights office urged the army to review rules of engagement and standard operating procedures.