By James Akinlade
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has rejected reports alleging that civilians were killed during recent aerial bombardments in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, insisting that the operation targeted armed bandits and terrorist hideouts.
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the military said the strikes were based on credible intelligence reports indicating the gathering of armed bandits in Lukupe Village and nearby communities within Shiroro LGA.
According to the DHQ, the Nigerian Army UAV Command carried out coordinated air interdiction operations between late May 9 and the early hours of May 10, 2026, targeting suspected bandit enclaves in Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu and Kuduru villages.
The military said post-strike intelligence assessments confirmed that the attacks hit their intended targets, particularly in Kusasu, where about 70 bandits were reportedly neutralised.
It added that surviving fighters were later seen evacuating bodies of their dead colleagues for burial, while over 200 armed men on motorcycles reportedly retreated towards Zango.
The DHQ also disclosed that intelligence reports indicated fresh movements of armed groups converging around Kopa, east of Mongoro, allegedly plotting attacks on security formations and nearby communities.
Responding to claims that civilians may have been affected, the military maintained that the operation was carefully planned and executed using actionable intelligence, stressing that all locations struck had been identified as terrorist enclaves.
The statement further noted that residents of nearby communities had reportedly relocated to Sarkin Pawa before the operation commenced, arguing that this contradicted claims that civilians were present at the targeted 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 DHQ stated.
The Armed Forces, however, said relevant military formations had been directed to investigate allegations of civilian casualties to ascertain the facts.
It 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 that could undermine ongoing security operations or aid terrorist propaganda.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to pursue and neutralise all threats to national security with precision, professionalism and resolve,” the statement added.
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