The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports alleging civilian casualties during recent aerial interdiction operations conducted in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, insisting that the strikes specifically targeted armed bandits and terrorist enclaves.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the military said the operation was carried out following credible intelligence indicating the gathering of armed bandits in Lukupe Village and surrounding areas within Shiroro LGA.
According to the statement, between late 9 May and the early hours of 10 May 2026, the Nigerian Army UAV Command conducted coordinated air strikes on identified bandit locations in Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu, and Kuduru villages.
The DHQ explained that intelligence and post-strike assessments confirmed the operation successfully neutralized several terrorists, particularly in Kusasu, where about 70 bandits were reportedly killed.
The military further disclosed that surviving bandits were seen evacuating bodies of their dead colleagues for burial, while more than 200 armed fighters mounted on motorcycles reportedly retreated towards Zango.
According to the Defence Headquarters, intelligence also revealed movements of other armed groups converging around Kopa, east of Mongoro, allegedly plotting attacks on security formations and communities in the area.
Reacting to reports of civilian deaths, the military maintained that the operation was “meticulously planned and executed” based on actionable intelligence and that all identified targets were confirmed terrorist hideouts.
The statement added that residents of nearby communities had reportedly relocated to Sarkin Pawa before the operation commenced, a development the military said contradicts allegations that civilians were present at the strike locations during the bombardment.
“Contrary to the narrative being circulated, the strikes were precisely targeted at identified terrorist enclaves and achieved their intended military objectives,” the statement noted.
However, the DHQ said relevant military formations had been directed to investigate the allegations of civilian casualties to ascertain the facts.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens and conducting operations in line with established rules of engagement and international laws governing armed conflict.
The military also urged the media and members of the public to avoid spreading unverified reports capable of undermining ongoing security operations or boosting terrorist propaganda.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to pursue and neutralize all threats to national security with precision, professionalism, and resolve,” the statement added.
