By Nkechi Eze
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports alleging that civilians were killed during recent aerial interdiction operations conducted by the Armed Forces of Nigeria in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, insisting that the strikes were intelligence-driven and accurately targeted at terrorist hideouts.
According to an official signed statement by the Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, intelligence reports received on 9 May 2026 revealed the convergence of armed bandits at Lukupe Village in Shiroro LGA, prompting a coordinated military response aimed at neutralising imminent threats to civilian communities and security formations in the area.
Major General Onoja disclosed that between 11:59 p.m. on 9 May and 6:00 a.m. on 10 May 2026, the Nigerian Army UAV Command carried out multiple precision air strikes on identified bandit locations in Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu and Kuduru villages.
The statement noted that local intelligence sources confirmed the strikes were accurate and successful, particularly in Kusasu, Katerma and Bokko, where several terrorist enclaves were destroyed.
According to the Defence Headquarters, approximately 70 armed bandits were neutralised in Kusasu alone, while surviving terrorists were observed evacuating bodies of their fallen members for burial.
The DHQ further revealed that over 200 armed bandits mounted on motorcycles were seen retreating toward Zango following the strikes, while another group from Bokko was reportedly moving in the same direction, allegedly to regroup for possible attacks on Sarkin Pawa, Kuchi and government security infrastructure within the axis.
The military also disclosed that intelligence reports indicated another bandit convergence at Kopa, east of Mongoro, suggesting plans to attack government and security facilities in the area before military intervention disrupted the movement.
Reacting to allegations circulating in some quarters that civilians were killed during the operation, the Defence Headquarters maintained that the missions were “meticulously planned and executed” based on credible and actionable intelligence confirming the presence of terrorists at the targeted locations.
The statement stressed that all local civilian communities within the affected areas had voluntarily relocated to Sarkin Pawa prior to the operations as a precautionary measure, arguing that this significantly contradicts claims that innocent residents were present at the strike locations during the bombardment.
“Post-strike intelligence assessments and verified reports from local sources further confirmed that the aerial interdiction was precise on target,” the statement said.
The DHQ added that the movement of armed men on motorcycles immediately after the strikes further reinforced the assessment that the operation targeted criminal elements rather than civilians.
Nonetheless, the military authorities disclosed that relevant formations had been directed to verify all allegations of civilian casualties, if any.
Reaffirming the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to professionalism and civilian protection, the Defence Headquarters stated that all operations are conducted in line with established rules of engagement and applicable laws governing military operations.
The military also urged the media and members of the public to avoid spreading unverified reports capable of undermining troop morale and emboldening criminal groups operating across the country.
The statement warned that individuals disseminating unsubstantiated allegations without credible evidence or official clarification risk serving as “unwitting instruments of terrorist propaganda.”
The Armed Forces of Nigeria reiterated its resolve to sustain ongoing offensives against terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements threatening national security, assuring Nigerians that operations would continue with “precision, professionalism and resolve.”
