The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has refuted reports alleging civilian casualties during the recent aerial interdiction operation in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, maintaining that the strikes were precisely aimed at armed bandits.
Official Statement on the Operation
In a statement issued on Monday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onaja, clarified that the operation was conducted based on credible intelligence regarding the movement and convergence of terrorists in several communities within Shiroro LGA.
According to the military, intelligence gathered on May 9, 2026, revealed that armed bandits had assembled at Lukupe village and other surrounding locations, prompting coordinated air operations by the Nigerian Army UAV Command in the early hours of May 10.
Details of the Airstrikes
The statement explained that between 11:59 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., multiple air strikes were launched on identified bandit enclaves in Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu, and Kuduru villages. The DHQ stated that local intelligence sources confirmed that the strikes at Kusasu, Katerma, and Bokko accurately hit designated targets, adding that about 70 bandits were neutralised in Kusasu alone.
It further disclosed that surviving bandits were later observed gathering the remains of their colleagues for burial, while more than 200 armed fighters on motorcycles were seen retreating toward Zango. According to the statement, another group of armed men from Bokko was also seen advancing toward Zango, allegedly to regroup and determine whether to retreat or launch attacks on Sarkin Pawa and security formations in Kuchi.
The military added that intelligence also detected another convergence of armed elements at Kopa, east of Mongoro, suggesting plans to attack government and security infrastructure in the area.
Military's Response to Allegations
The DHQ maintained that all military actions taken during the operation were aimed at neutralising imminent threats and preventing planned attacks on civilian communities and security installations. Reacting to reports alleging civilian deaths, the military described such claims as misleading and unverified, stressing that the operations were “meticulously planned and executed” using actionable intelligence.
“Contrary to the narrative being circulated, the strikes were precisely targeted at identified terrorist enclaves and achieved their intended military objectives,” the statement said.
Civilian Relocation Undermines Claims
The DHQ also noted that residents in the affected areas had reportedly relocated to Sarkin Pawa before the operation commenced, arguing that the movement of civilians out of the communities undermined allegations that innocent residents were caught in the strikes. “This fact alone fundamentally undermines the claim that innocent residents were present in the strike zones at the time of the operation,” the statement added.
The military said post-strike assessments and local intelligence reports confirmed that the targets hit were occupied by armed groups and not civilian populations. Nonetheless, the Defence Headquarters said military authorities had directed relevant formations to investigate the allegations of civilian casualties to ascertain the true situation on ground.
Commitment to Civilian Protection
The Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to protecting civilians and conducting operations in line with established rules of engagement and international laws governing armed conflict. The DHQ also urged the media and the public to avoid spreading unverified reports capable of undermining ongoing security operations and troop morale.
It warned that individuals circulating unsubstantiated allegations without credible evidence or seeking official clarification risk serving as “unwitting instruments of terrorist propaganda.” The military pledged to continue operations against criminal and terrorist elements across the country, vowing to sustain efforts aimed at protecting lives, communities, and national infrastructure.
