The Defence Headquarters has denied reports that civilians were killed during recent aerial operations in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, insisting that the strikes targeted armed bandits and terrorist hideouts.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said in a statement that the operation followed credible intelligence on the movement and concentration of armed groups around Lukupe village and other locations in Shiroro. He said the Nigerian Army UAV Command carried out coordinated strikes between late May 9 and the early hours of May 10 on identified targets in Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu and Kuduru villages.
According to DHQ, post-strike intelligence indicated that about 70 bandits were killed in Kusasu alone. The military said surviving fighters were later seen gathering the bodies of their colleagues for burial, while more than 200 armed men on motorcycles reportedly withdrew toward Zango.
The statement said other armed groups were also observed converging around Kopa, east of Mongoro, allegedly to plan attacks on security formations and nearby communities. DHQ said the military took action to neutralise the threats before they could materialise.
Reacting to claims of civilian deaths, the military said the strikes were “meticulously planned and executed” based on actionable intelligence. It maintained that all identified targets were terrorist enclaves and that nearby residents had relocated to Sarkin Pawa before the operation began, which it said contradicted suggestions that civilians were present at the strike sites.
“Contrary to the narrative being circulated, the strikes were precisely targeted at identified terrorist enclaves and achieved their intended military objectives,” the statement said.
However, DHQ said relevant military formations had been directed to verify the allegations of civilian casualties. It reaffirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remained committed to protecting law-abiding citizens and conducting operations in line with rules of engagement and applicable laws.
The military also urged the media and members of the public to avoid spreading unverified claims, warning that such reports could undermine security operations and embolden criminal groups.
Niger State has remained a major theatre of banditry and insurgent activity, particularly in forested communities across Shiroro, Munya, Rafi and Mariga local government areas. The military has intensified air and ground operations across the North Central region as part of wider efforts to disrupt armed groups and rescue kidnapped victims. Recent DHQ briefings have highlighted continued operations against terrorists, kidnappers and illegal armed networks across several theatres.
