The Defence Headquarters has denied reports alleging that civilians were killed during recent airstrikes carried out by the Nigerian military in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, insisting that the operation targeted only armed bandits.
- +Military denies civilian deaths in Niger airstrikes, says 70 bandits killed
According to a statement released on Sunday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the operation was conducted following intelligence reports indicating the convergence of armed bandits at Lukupe Village in Shiroro LGA on May 9, 2026.
According to a statement released on Sunday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the operation was conducted following intelligence reports indicating the convergence of armed bandits at Lukupe Village in Shiroro LGA on May 9, 2026.
The military said the Nigerian Army UAV Command subsequently carried out multiple air interdiction strikes between 11:59 p.m. on May 10 and 6 a.m. across suspected bandit hideouts in Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu and Kuduru villages.
Onoja stated that local intelligence sources confirmed that the aerial bombardments were “precise on target” in Kusasu, Katerma and Bokko villages.
He disclosed that about 70 bandits were killed in Kusasu alone, while surviving fighters were seen evacuating the bodies of their colleagues for burial.
The statement partly read, “In line with the AFN mandate to conduct operations to rout out all forms of insecurity in the country, on 9 May 2026, intelligence reports indicated the convergence of armed bandits at Lukupe Village in Shiroro LGA.
” Subsequently, on the 10 May 2026 between the hours of 1159pm to 6am, the Nigerian Army UAV Command acting on intelligence conducted multiple air strikes on different bandits locations including Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu and Kuduru Villages all in Shiroro LGA of Niger State. Further reports from local sources confirmed that the aerial interdiction was precise on target at Kusasu, Katerma and Bokko. See video footage. It was gathered that about 70 bandits were hit and killed in Kusasu. ”
He added that over 200 armed bandits mounted on motorcycles were sighted moving towards Zango, while another group from Bokko was reportedly advancing in the same direction, allegedly to regroup for possible attacks on Sarkin Pawa, Kuchi, or government security facilities.
According to him, another group was also observed converging at Kopa, east of Mongoro, indicating a possible threat to security formations in the area.
“The military took necessary steps to neutralise all these threats in a timely manner,” the statement said.
Reacting to reports claiming civilians were killed during the operation, Onoja maintained that the strikes were based on credible and actionable intelligence confirming the presence of terrorists at the targeted locations.
He further stated that residents of communities within the affected areas had relocated to Sarkin Pawa before the operation commenced.
“The Defence Headquarters wishes to clarify reports circulating in certain quarters alleging that civilians were killed in the aerial interdiction strike conducted in the early hours of Sunday, 10 May 2026, across Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu, and Kuduru villages in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
” The operations were meticulously planned and executed based on credible, actionable intelligence confirming the convergence of terrorists at those specific locations.
“Contrary to the narrative being circulated, the strikes were precisely targeted at identified terrorist enclaves and achieved their intended military objectives, neutralizing approximately seventy armed bandits in Kusasu alone, ” Onoja said.
The DHQ said post-strike intelligence assessments indicated that the movements recorded after the operation reflected those of a degraded but still mobile criminal force rather than civilians.
However, he said relevant formations had been directed to verify allegations of civilian casualties, if any.
Onoja urged the media and members of the public to avoid spreading unverified reports capable of undermining military operations and troop morale.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains fully committed to the protection of all law-abiding citizens and conducts all operations in strict accordance with the rules of engagement and applicable laws,” Onoja stated.
The clarification by the Defence Headquarters followed viral reports earlier on Sunday alleging that an unconfirmed number of civilians were killed during an aerial bombardment on Guradnayi, a settlement near Kusasu in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
