The recent bombing of innocent civilians in Kaduna State has ignited tensions between the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force. Sources within both services reveal growing disquiet and a lack of trust stemming from the incident.

The Nigerian Army has admitted responsibility for the airstrike, claiming it was an accident that targeted suspected terrorists. 

However, the NAF has publicly distanced itself from the operation, emphasizing that it had not conducted any air activities in the area for over 24 hours.

According to Daily Trust, sources within the NAF expressed disappointment with the Army’s use of an unmanned drone for the operation, arguing that such missions require specialized expertise and intelligence gathering, which they believe the Army lacks.

“The Army’s attempt to include air operations in their activities depicts a lack of trust,” one source stated.

They further stressed that air operations are complex and require a dedicated team of trained personnel, suggesting that the Army venturing into this domain is not ideal.

These concerns are compounded by the recent revival of the Nigerian Army’s aviation unit, approved by President Bola Tinubu. 

The unit is set to acquire 12 MD 530F Cayuse attack helicopters, raising questions about potential overlap and competition between the services.

“Honestly, I don’t think army officers should delve into air operations,” commented a NAF officer, reflecting the anxieties within the force.