Niger villagers say NAF airstrikes targeted at terrorists killed civilians as DHQ dismisses claims

At least 12 persons were accidentally killed after a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) airstrikes targeting terrorists in transit from Zamfara hit Kusasu village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

The incident reportedly occurred in the area at about 10:00 a.m. on Sunday after terrorists gathered to coordinate attacks on nearby communities.

A community source who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of attack said about 22 civilians were affected in the airstrike carried out by the NAF.

“Twelve persons were killed inside their room,” he told the Peoples Gazette.

Another villager, Mohammed Ibrahim, said the NAF targeted terrorists before mistakenly hitting residents in the community.

“The information we gathered was that a large number of bandits were assembled to attack Erena and neighbouring villages and the airstrikes targeted them,” he said.

He added that the terrorists later moved toward a community in the Munya LGA.

Images of the incident obtained by the Gazette gory though multiple sources said several terrorists were also hit during the airstrikes.

“But the airstrike hit civilians and women and children were also injured. They are in hospital receiving treatment,” he said.

Mr Ibrahim described the attacked village as a stronghold of bandits loyal to Dogo Gide, adding that residents and terrorists coexist in the area.

“The pilot could not differentiate between pilot and bandits in the village,” he added.

However, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) dismissed claims of civilian casualties during the Niger State aerial interdiction operations.

In a statement on Sunday in Abuja, the DHQ insisted that the strikes were precisely targeted at armed bandits.

The statement was made available to journalists by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja.

Mr Onoja said the operations, conducted in the early hours of May 10, were based on credible intelligence indicating the convergence of armed bandits at Lukupe Village and other locations within Shiroro LGA.

He said the Nigerian Army UAV Command subsequently carried out multiple airstrikes between 11:59 p.m. on May 9 and 6:00 a.m. on May 10, targeting identified bandit enclaves in Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu and Kuduru villages.

According to him, post-strike intelligence and local sources confirmed that the aerial interdiction was accurate, particularly in Kusasu, Katerma and Bokko, where the strikes achieved their intended objectives.

“About 70 bandits were neutralised in Kusasu alone, while others were seen gathering the remains of their colleagues for burial. Further observations indicated that over 200 armed fighters on motorcycles retreated towards Zango, with additional groups advancing from Bokko, suggesting attempts to regroup or carry out attacks on nearby communities and security installations,” he said.

Mr Onoja added that another group was observed converging at Kopa, east of Mongoro, indicating possible plans to attack government or security infrastructure in the area, prompting timely military action to neutralise the threats.

He stressed that contrary to circulating reports, the strikes did not target civilians, noting that residents in the affected communities had earlier relocated to Sarkin Pawa for safety prior to the operation.

“This fact undermines claims that innocent civilians were present in the strike zones at the time,” he said.

The DHQ spokesperson, however, said relevant military formations had been directed to verify the allegations of civilian casualties if any.

He reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the protection of law-abiding citizens and adherence to rules of engagement and applicable laws in all operations.

Mr Onoja urged the media and the public to exercise restraint and avoid spreading unverified reports that could embolden criminal elements, undermine troop morale and erode public confidence in ongoing security efforts.

“The Armed Forces will continue to pursue and neutralise all threats to national security with precision, professionalism and resolve,” he said. 

(NAN)