Nigerian military probes bombing of civilians

The Nigerian military says it is investigating an alleged bombing of innocent civilians by its aircraft in a village in north-eastern Nigeria during an operation against Boko Haram militants.

In a statement, the Nigerian military said "credible intelligence" had confirmed that the targeted area was occupied by Boko Haram militants.

But it was later reported that the victims were civilians including women and children.

The authorities now say they are investigating the incident.

It happened in the village of Shokotoko in Borno state on Thursday during an overnight military operation on suspected Boko Haram positions.

It is not known exactly how many people were killed, but some reports say at least eight. Others put the number at more than 20 with many more wounded.

This is not the first time the Nigerian military has been linked to claims of bombing civilians in its fight against Boko Haram militants.

In 2017 an air force jet mistakenly killed more than 100 people at a camp for those displaced by the conflict in the town of Rann in Borno state.

The authorities later apologised saying the camp was thought to be a Boko Haram position.