Military Denies Civilian Casualties in Recent Airstrike
The Defense Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed allegations of civilian casualties stemming from a recent air interdiction operation in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State. The military asserted that the operation was directed at armed bandits and successfully neutralized approximately 70 terrorists.
On Sunday night, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, the Director of Defense Media Operations, released a statement explaining that the operation, conducted during the early hours of May 10, 2026, targeted specific villages: Katerma, Bocco, Kusas, and Kuduru. This coordinated effort was based on actionable intelligence regarding the movements of armed criminals in the region.
Contrary to some reports, Onoja emphasized that the aerial assault was meticulously planned and executed with precision, ensuring that identified terrorist enclaves were the primary focus. He stated that intelligence indicated this armed group was not only targeting military forces operating in the area but was also planning attacks on civilian populations.
He further highlighted that prior to the operation, many residents in the vicinity had voluntarily relocated to Sarkinpawa as a precaution, countering claims that civilians were present in the targeted areas during the airstrike.
Following the airstrike, the military conducted intelligence assessments and reviewed field reports. According to these evaluations, the operation met its objectives, with evidence indicating that the terrorists were seen evacuating the bodies of their deceased comrades. Reports also noted that over 200 armed fighters on motorcycles retreated towards Zango.
Onoja characterized these movements as indicative of criminal elements fleeing rather than civilians being displaced. Nevertheless, he stated that appropriate military units have been tasked to investigate any allegations of civilian casualties to clarify the situation surrounding these claims.
Reiterating the Nigerian Armed Forces’ commitment to protect law-abiding citizens, Onoja emphasized that all military operations would adhere to established rules of engagement and legal standards. He urged the media and the public to refrain from disseminating unverified reports that could undermine ongoing security operations, demoralize military personnel, and embolden criminal groups.
In the statement, the DHQ cautioned that individuals spreading unfounded claims of civilian casualties without credible evidence risk becoming tools of terrorist propaganda. The military remains steadfast in its mission to neutralize threats to national security, conducting operations with both professionalism and precision.
Onoja detailed that on May 9, 2026, intelligence reports pinpointed armed bandits congregating in Rukpe village within Shiroro Local Government. Following this lead, multiple airstrikes were launched between 11:59 PM and 6:00 AM on May 10, targeting various bandit strongholds in Kateruma, Bocko, Kusas, and Kuduru. Preliminary local reports indicate that around 70 bandits were successfully engaged in the operation.
Additional intelligence revealed that groups were observed gathering the remains of their fallen members and planning further movements, including 200 motorcycles advancing towards Zango, and other groups consolidating in Kopa—suggesting imminent attacks on government and security installations in Mongolia. The military remains vigilant and prepared to address these emerging threats promptly.
