The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has refuted allegations of civilian casualties and unverified death tolls following a recent air-land military operation in Zamfara State, describing the circulating claims as inaccurate and lacking official substantiation.
Official Statement on the Operation
In a statement released by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the military clarified that the operation conducted on 10 May 2026 in Tumfa Village, Shinkafi Local Government Area, was a targeted strike under Operation FANSAN YAMMA. The mission aimed at high-level terrorist leaders reportedly orchestrating coordinated attacks in the North West region.
According to the DHQ, the location was identified through credible multi-source intelligence as a coordination hub for terrorist activities. The operation was executed based on verified security information and meticulous operational planning.
Nature of Air Interdiction Strike
The military emphasized that air interdiction strikes, by their inherent nature, do not permit immediate on-ground confirmation of casualty figures. Any numbers currently circulating in the media or on social platforms are speculative and do not reflect official findings.
A Battle Damage Assessment conducted after the operation confirmed that several terrorists were neutralized. The DHQ stressed that no credible evidence has been established to support claims of civilian casualties.
Rejection of Allegations
The Defence Headquarters also rejected allegations made by some local and international organizations, insisting that the identified target was exclusively occupied by armed non-state actors and posed a direct threat to surrounding communities in the region.
The military further stressed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria operate under strict Rules of Engagement and in compliance with International Humanitarian Law, including principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution in military operations.
Commitment to Civilian Safety
The DHQ reiterated that civilians are never targeted in military actions and that all necessary measures are taken to minimize collateral impact during operations. Ground troops are currently conducting follow-up clearance and exploitation operations in the area.
The military urged the public and media to rely solely on verified updates from official Defence Headquarters channels. It assured that any confirmed incidents involving civilian casualties, if established through proper verification, would be communicated transparently in line with its operational accountability standards.
The statement was signed by Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations.
