The Defence Headquarters has denied reports alleging civilian deaths during recent Niger airstrikes carried out in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, insisting that the operation targeted only armed bandits. Military authorities said intelligence-led operations conducted across several communities resulted in the killing of about 70 bandits during the coordinated airstrikes.
The operation comes amid ongoing military offensives against armed groups operating across parts of northern and central Nigeria. Shiroro Local Government Area has remained one of the flashpoints of insecurity in Niger State due to repeated attacks linked to bandit groups and criminal networks.
In recent years, Nigerian security forces have increasingly relied on aerial operations to target bandit hideouts and insurgent enclaves. However, some past air operations in conflict-affected communities have generated concerns over civilian casualties, leading to calls for stricter intelligence verification and operational safeguards.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, intelligence reports on May 9, 2026, indicated that armed bandits had converged at Lukupe Village in Shiroro LGA. Acting on the intelligence, the Nigerian Army UAV Command conducted multiple Niger airstrikes between 11:59 p.m. and 6 a.m. targeting locations including Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu, and Kuduru villages.
The military said local intelligence sources confirmed that the aerial bombardments were “precise on target” in Kusasu, Katerma, and Bokko villages. According to Onoja, approximately 70 bandits were killed in Kusasu alone, while surviving fighters were reportedly seen evacuating bodies from the area for burial.
The Defence Headquarters further disclosed that over 200 armed bandits mounted on motorcycles had been sighted moving toward Zango, while another group from Bokko was allegedly regrouping for potential attacks on Sarkin Pawa, Kuchi, and nearby security formations. Military authorities stated that the Niger airstrikes were carried out to neutralise these threats before attacks could be launched.
Responding to viral reports claiming civilians were killed during the operation, the military maintained that residents in affected communities had relocated to Sarkin Pawa before the strikes commenced. Onoja said post-strike assessments showed movements in the area were linked to “a degraded but still mobile criminal force rather than civilians.” He added, however, that relevant formations had been directed to verify any allegations of civilian casualties associated with the Niger airstrikes.
The latest operation highlights the continuing security challenges confronting parts of northern Nigeria, where armed bandit groups have repeatedly targeted rural communities, highways, and security facilities. It also reflects the growing reliance on air power in counter-banditry operations across affected states.
At the same time, concerns over civilian protection remain central to public debate surrounding military air operations. Security analysts say balancing rapid response with accurate intelligence verification will remain critical in maintaining public confidence in ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.
