The Defence Headquarters has denied reports that civilians were killed during recent airstrikes conducted by the Nigerian military in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, insisting the operation targeted only armed bandits.
In a statement on Sunday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said the operation was based on intelligence reports indicating the convergence of armed bandits at Lukupe Village on May 9, 2026, prompting the Nigerian Army UAV Command to carry out multiple air interdiction strikes between 11:59 p.m. on May 10 and 6 a.m. across Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu and Kuduru villages.
Onoja stated that local intelligence sources confirmed the aerial bombardments were precise on target and disclosed that about 70 bandits were killed in Kusasu alone, while surviving fighters were seen evacuating the bodies of their colleagues for burial.
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Reacting to civilian casualty reports, Onoja maintained the strikes were based on credible intelligence confirming the presence of terrorists at the targeted locations, adding that residents of affected communities had relocated to Sarkin Pawa before the operation commenced. He noted that relevant formations have been directed to verify allegations of civilian casualties, if any, and urged the media and public to avoid spreading unsubstantiated reports.
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