Niger Airstrikes: DHQ Denies Civilian Casualties, Confirms 70 Bandits Killed

Niger Airstrikes: DHQ Denies Civilian Casualties, Confirms 70 Bandits Killed

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has denied reports alleging that civilians were killed during recent military airstrikes in Niger State, insisting that the operation successfully targeted armed bandits operating in Shiroro Local Government Area.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said the Nigerian military carried out coordinated aerial strikes after receiving credible intelligence that a large number of armed bandits had assembled at Lukupe Village in Shiroro LGA on May 9, 2026.

According to the DHQ, the operation was executed by the Nigerian Army UAV Command between 11:59 p.m. on May 10 and 6 a.m., targeting suspected bandit camps in Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu and Kuduru communities.

The military explained that intelligence gathered from surveillance operations and local informants confirmed that the strikes accurately hit identified terrorist hideouts in Kusasu, Katerma and Bokko villages.

Major General Onoja disclosed that no fewer than 70 bandits were killed during the aerial bombardment in Kusasu alone, while surviving fighters were reportedly seen evacuating bodies from the area after the operation.

The DHQ stated that the operation formed part of ongoing counter-banditry operations in Niger State aimed at stopping planned attacks on vulnerable communities and security formations within the Shiroro axis.

“In line with the Armed Forces of Nigeria mandate to conduct operations to rout out all forms of insecurity in the country, intelligence reports indicated the convergence of armed bandits at Lukupe Village in Shiroro LGA,” Onoja said.

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The military further revealed that aerial surveillance detected more than 200 armed bandits riding motorcycles and moving toward Zango, while another group reportedly departed Bokko heading in the same direction to regroup for possible attacks on Sarkin Pawa, Kuchi and nearby security locations.

According to the DHQ, another armed cluster was also observed gathering at Kopa, east of Mongoro, suggesting what officials described as an imminent threat to communities and military formations within the region.

“The military took necessary steps to neutralise all these threats in a timely manner,” the statement added.

The clarification followed widespread reports earlier on Sunday alleging that civilians may have been killed during an aerial bombardment in Guradnayi settlement near Kusasu in Shiroro Local Government Area.

Some residents and local sources claimed that residential structures were affected during the operation, raising fears of civilian casualties following the bombardment targeting suspected criminal hideouts.

However, the Defence Headquarters strongly rejected the allegations, insisting that the operation was based on “credible and actionable intelligence” confirming terrorist activity within the targeted locations.

The military also stated that many residents in nearby communities had reportedly relocated to Sarkin Pawa before the strikes commenced due to fears of imminent attacks by armed groups.

“Contrary to the narrative being circulated, the strikes were precisely targeted at identified terrorist enclaves and achieved their intended military objectives,” Onoja stated.

The DHQ added that post-strike intelligence assessments suggested that movements observed after the bombardment were linked to fleeing criminal elements rather than civilians.

Despite maintaining that the operation was successful and precise, the military disclosed that relevant formations had been directed to investigate reports of civilian casualties, if any, as part of standard operational assessment procedures.

Security analysts say Shiroro Local Government Area has increasingly become a major hotspot for banditry and kidnapping activities due to its vast forests and difficult terrain, which provide safe havens for criminal gangs operating across parts of Niger State and neighbouring regions.

In recent months, the Nigerian military has intensified aerial offensives and ground operations against armed groups across the North-West and North-Central regions as part of broader efforts to combat insecurity, kidnapping and attacks on rural communities.

Major General Onoja urged journalists and members of the public to avoid spreading unverified reports capable of undermining troop morale and ongoing military operations.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains fully committed to the protection of all law-abiding citizens and conducts all operations in strict accordance with the rules of engagement and applicable laws,” he said.

Niger Airstrikes: DHQ Denies Civilian Casualties, Confirms 70 Bandits Killed