The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed claims of civilian casualties following recent aerial operations in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, the DHQ said the strikes were precisely targeted at armed bandits.
The statement was released by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja.
Onoja said the operations, conducted in the early hours of May 10, were based on credible intelligence showing armed bandits converging at Lukupe Village and other locations within Shiroro LGA.
He said the Nigerian Army UAV Command carried out multiple airstrikes between 11:59 p.m. on May 9 and 6:00 a.m. on May 10, targeting identified bandit enclaves in Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu and Kuduru villages.
According to him, post-strike intelligence and local sources confirmed that the strikes were accurate, especially in Kusasu, Katerma and Bokko, where the intended objectives were achieved.
“About 70 bandits were neutralised in Kusasu alone, while others were seen gathering the remains of their colleagues for burial,” he said.
“Further observations indicated that over 200 armed fighters on motorcycles retreated towards Zango, with additional groups advancing from Bokko, suggesting attempts to regroup or launch attacks on nearby communities and security installations.”
Onoja added that another group was observed converging at Kopa, east of Mongoro, indicating possible plans to attack government or security infrastructure, which prompted further military action.
He stressed that, contrary to circulating reports, the strikes did not target civilians, noting that residents in the affected communities had already relocated to Sarkin Pawa for safety before the operation.
“This fact undermines claims that innocent civilians were present in the strike zones at the time,” he said.
The DHQ spokesman, however, said relevant military formations had been directed to verify the allegations of civilian casualties, if any.
He reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the protection of law-abiding citizens and strict adherence to the rules of engagement and international laws in all operations.
Onoja urged the media and the public to exercise restraint and avoid spreading unverified reports that could embolden criminals, undermine troop morale and erode public confidence in ongoing security efforts.
“The Armed Forces will continue to pursue and neutralise all threats to national security with precision, professionalism and resolve,” he said.
