Esther Oseyiomon
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has denied reports alleging civilian casualties during recent military airstrikes in Niger State, insisting that the operation successfully targeted armed bandits and killed about 70 terrorists in Shiroro Local Government Area.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, issued the clarification on Sunday following claims circulating in some quarters that civilians were affected during aerial bombardments conducted across Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu and Kuduru villages.
According to Onoja, intelligence reports had indicated the convergence of armed bandits at Lukupe village in Shiroro LGA, prompting the Nigerian Army UAV Command to launch multiple air interdiction strikes between 11:59 p.m. on May 10 and 6 a.m. on May 11, 2026.
He explained that the operation targeted identified bandit locations at Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu and Kuduru based on credible and actionable intelligence.
The DHQ spokesman stated that local intelligence sources confirmed the strikes were precise, particularly in Kusasu where about 70 armed bandits were reportedly neutralised.
According to him, terrorists were later seen gathering the remains of their dead colleagues for burial, while over 200 fighters mounted on motorcycles were observed retreating toward Zango.
Onoja added that another group of terrorists from Bokko was also seen advancing toward Zango, allegedly to regroup for possible attacks on Sarkin Pawa and other government or security infrastructure in Kuchi.
He further disclosed that another armed group was sighted converging at Kopa, east of Mongoro, suggesting plans to launch attacks on government and security facilities in the area.
“The operations were meticulously planned and executed based on credible, actionable intelligence confirming the convergence of terrorists at those specific locations,” he said.
“Contrary to the narrative being circulated, the strikes were precisely targeted at identified terrorist enclaves and achieved their intended military objectives.”
The DHQ stressed that all local civilian communities within the general area had relocated to Sarkin Pawa before the operation due to security concerns, insisting that claims of civilian casualties lacked credible evidence.
“These are not the movements of a civilian population; they are the signature of a degraded but still mobile criminal force,” Onoja stated.
He, however, noted that relevant military formations had been directed to verify allegations of civilian casualties, if any.
The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to protecting law-abiding citizens and conducting operations in line with established rules of engagement and international laws.
Onoja also urged media organisations and members of the public to avoid amplifying unverified reports capable of undermining military operations and emboldening criminal groups.
He warned that spreading unsubstantiated claims without verification risks aiding terrorist propaganda and weakening public confidence in ongoing security efforts.
The DHQ reiterated that the military would continue sustained operations against armed groups threatening national security across the country.