Governor Dauda Lawal has commended the Nigerian military's efforts in the renewed onslaught against bandits in Zamfara State.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), in a successful airstrike over the weekend, decisively targeted bandits attacking villages in Zurmi and Maradun Local Government Areas.
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris in a statement issued on Sunday in Gusau, expressed deep condolences to the families of civilian casualties affected by the airstrike at Tungar Kara in Zurmi LGA.
The statement clarified that the civilian casualties were members of the local vigilante who were mistakenly identified as the bandits fleeing from Gidan Makera in the Boko district of Zurmi LGA.
It was reported that no fewer than 16 people were reportedly killed in an airstrike in Kakindawa village, Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Intelligence sources say the victims include members of the vigilantes, Zamfara Community Protection Guard (ZCPG), and residents of the community.
Reports say, the incident occurred on Saturday evevening after bandits attacked Tungar Kara village and escaped into the forest while the local vigilantes were seen assisting residents who siffered the bandits attack.
The statement reads in part: “We have received multiple positive reports of precision strikes carried out by the Air Component of Operation Fansar Yamma over the weekend in troubled Maradun and Zurmi local government areas.
“This intervention by the military has significantly degraded the operational capacity of the bandits and has shown the commitment of the Nigeria Air Force to carrying out its constitutional mandate of protecting civilians and safeguarding the lives and property of the people.
“As a responsible government, we assure all the people of the State that the Government of Zamfara State remains steadfast in its resolve to sustain the gains made in the fight against banditry and related criminalities. The recent success indicates that the collaborative efforts between the state and federal security agencies yield positive results.
“In light of these achievements, the state government reaffirms its commitment to providing all necessary support to the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies to sustain their operations and bring lasting peace to the state.
"We will continue to offer support to enhance intelligence sharing, provide logistics, and strengthen community engagement, all in the spirit of a comprehensive approach to security and achieving the ultimate goal of restoring normalcy across all parts of the state.
“Regrettably, some members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) and local vigilantes were also affected during the operation in Tungar Kara, resulting in the loss of lives. We pray to Almighty Allah to grant them Jannah.
“The state government extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen JTF personnel and assures them that the sacrifices of the deceased will not go in vain. The government will provide necessary support and assistance to the bereaved families.
“Finally, the government calls on people to be vigilant, report all suspicious activities, and cooperate fully with security personnel. Through collective effort and unity of purpose, the fight against banditry can be won, bringing enduring peace and stability to Zamfara State.”
Sources say the vigilante group mobilised after receiving reports of bandits rustling livestock and attempting to abduct villagers.
“As we were heading to Tungar Kara around 3:30 pm, an aircraft suddenly appeared in the area and dropped a bomb on the vigilantes. The bandits had already escaped into the forest,” Umar recounted.
He alleged that 16 people, including his own son, were killed in the airstrike.
“We mobilised to protect our neighbours, but tragically, the aircraft targeted the vigilantes instead of the fleeing bandits. It’s heartbreaking,” Umar alleged.
Reacting to the airstrike, the Coordinator Joint Media Coordination Centre, Lt Col Abubakar Abdullahi, told SpyeTV on Sunday Afternoon that he would investigate the matter and provide further details.
“I will look into what actually happened and get back to you,” Abdullahi said.
Similarly, on Friday, on 10 January 2025, troops of the same Operation Fansan Yamma reportedly have warned all terrorist kingpins and their associates in the North West to surrender and renounce violence unconditionally, after troops successfully dismantled Bello Turji and Mallam Ila camps, neutralized over 25 terrorists with more than 18 others sustaining gunshot wounds in the Fakai area of Shinkafi Local Government Area (LGA), Zamfara State.