KANO—
The Defence Headquarters has denied reports of civilians killing during a recent airstrike carried out by the Nigerian military in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, on Sunday, said the operation was conducted following intelligence reports revealing that armed bandits had converged at Lukupe Village in Shiroro LGA on May 9, 2026.
The military disclosed that the Nigerian Army UAV Command subsequently carried out multiple air strikes between 11:59 p.m. on May 10 and 6 a.m. across suspected bandit hideouts in Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu, and Kuduru villages.
Onoja further noted that local intelligence sources confirmed that the aerial bombardments were “precise on target” in Kusasu, Katerma, and Bokko villages.He added that about 70 bandits were eliminated in Kusasu, while scores of bandits were seen evacuating the bodies of their colleagues.
DHQ Denies Killing Civilians In Shiroro Strikes
“In line with the AFN mandate to conduct operations to rout out all forms of insecurity in the country, on 9 May 2026, intelligence reports indicated the convergence of armed bandits at Lukupe Village in Shiroro LGA” The statement reads”
Subsequently, on 10 May 2026 between the hours of 1159pm to 6am, the Nigerian Army UAV Command acting on intelligence conducted multiple air strikes on different bandits’ locations including Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu and Kuduru Villages all in Shiroro LGA of Niger State.
Further reports from local sources confirmed that the aerial interdiction was precise on target at Kusasu, Katerma and Bokko. See video footage. It was gathered that about 70 bandits were hit and killed in Kusasu” the statement added
He disclosed that about 200 armed bandits mounted on motorcycles were seen moving towards Zango, while another group from Bokko was reportedly advancing in the same direction, allegedly to prepare for possible attacks on Sarkin Pawa, Kuchi, or government security facilities.
DHQ Denies Killing Civilians In Shiroro Strikes
“The Defence Headquarters wishes to clarify reports circulating in certain quarters alleging that civilians were killed in the aerial interdiction strike conducted in the early hours of Sunday, 10 May 2026, across Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu, and Kuduru villages in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State” the statement reads
He further noted that another group was also sighted converging at Kopa, east of Mongoro, indicating a possible attack on the area.
“The military took necessary steps to neutralise all these threats in a timely manner,” the statement saidReplying to viral reports on civilians killing during the operation, Onoja stated that the strikes were based on credible and actionable intelligence confirming the presence of terrorists at the targeted locations.Contrary to the narrative being circulated, the strikes were precisely targeted at identified terrorist enclaves and achieved their intended military objectives, neutralizing approximately seventy armed bandits in Kusasu alone, ” Onoja said
He further emphasized that residents of the affected communities had earlier been relocated to Sarkin Pawa before the operation commenced.” The operations were meticulously planned and executed based on credible, actionable intelligence confirming the convergence of terrorists at those specific locations.
DHQ Denies Killing Civilians In Shiroro Strikes
DHQ added that post-strike intelligence assessments indicated that the movements recorded after the operation reflected those of a weakened but still mobile criminal force rather than civilians.
However, he said relevant arrangements had been set up to verify allegations of civilian casualtiesOnoja urged the media and members of the public to avoid spreading unverified reports capable of undermining military operations and causing panic among the populace.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to the protection of all law-abiding citizens and conduct all operations in strict accordance with the rules of engagement and applicable laws,” Onoja stated
The clarification by the Defence Headquarters followed viral reports earlier on Sunday alleging that an unconfirmed number of civilians were killed during a military operation on Guradnayi, a settlement near Kusasu in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
DHQ Denies Killing Civilians In Shiroro Strikes
Victims recount ordeals
Despite denying civilian casualties, confirmed reports have indicated that scores of civilians were killed and others injured during the aerial bombardment.
A victim of the attack, Solomon, in an interview with Daily Trust, from his hospital bed said he was asleep around 5am when the incident occurred leaving him with severe facial damage.
“I don’t know if I can survive this. I sustained severe injuries to my face. I am in pain. We need help from the government,” he said in a low voice.
DHQ Denies Killing Civilians In Shiroro Strikes
Also speaking, a resident of the community, Gideon Bamaiyi said bandits had earlier passed through their usual route in the area before the airstrike occurred.
He noted that 13 people, including seven children who were taking shelter in his elder brother’s house, were killed in the airstrike.
“Bandits had earlier passed through their usual route, and we had all fled. So, after they passed, some people returned home. The airstrike occurred around 5 am when people were still sleeping” he said“
In my elder brother’s house, 13 people lost their lives, including children, because one of the bombs landed on the house. Nobody survived” he added
DHQ Denies Killing Civilians In Shiroro Strikes
My elder brother had already left the house when the incident happened; otherwise, he would have been a victim too” he stated“
Currently, we have six people, including three women, a little girl, a little boy and a man, critically injured. In fact, five of them are still unconscious,” he said
A resident of Kusasu, Auta Awododo, told Premium Times that one of those killed was his cousin’s son.He said terrorists may have been killed, but innocent civilians also lost their lives.
“The military first dropped a bomb near the river in Kusasu. The second bomb was dropped in Guradnayi,” another resident, who did not want to be named, said.
DHQ Denies Killing Civilians In Shiroro Strikes
Nigeria has recorded several incidents of accidental airstrikes on civilians during military operations over the years, resulting in significant loss of lives.
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