By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed claims of civilian casualties
following recent aerial interdiction operations in Shiroro Local Government Area
of Niger State.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, the DHQ insisted that the strikes were
precisely targeted at armed bandits.
The statement was issued and made available to newsmen by the Director, Defence
Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja.
Onoja said the operations, conducted in the early hours of May 10, were based on
credible intelligence indicating the convergence of armed bandits at Lukupe
Village and other locations within Shiroro LGA.
He said the Nigerian Army UAV Command subsequently carried out multiple
airstrikes between 11:59 p.m. on May 9 and 6:00 a.m. on May 10, targeting
identified bandit enclaves in Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu and Kuduru villages.
According to him, post-strike intelligence and local sources confirmed that the
aerial interdiction was accurate, particularly in Kusasu, Katerma and Bokko, where
the strikes achieved their intended objectives.
“About 70 bandits were neutralised in Kusasu alone, while others were seen
gathering the remains of their colleagues for burial.
“Further observations indicated that over 200 armed fighters on motorcycles
retreated towards Zango, with additional groups advancing from Bokko,
suggesting attempts to regroup or carry out attacks on nearby communities and
security installations,” he said.
Onoja added that another group was observed converging at Kopa, east of
Mongoro, indicating possible plans to attack government or security infrastructure
in the area, prompting timely military action to neutralise the threats.
He stressed that contrary to circulating reports, the strikes did not target civilians,
noting that residents in the affected communities had earlier relocated to Sarkin
Pawa for safety prior to the operation.
“This fact undermines claims that innocent civilians were present in the strike
zones at the time,” he said.
The DHQ spokesman, however, said relevant military formations had been
directed to verify the allegations of civilian casualties, if any.
He reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the protection of
law-abiding citizens and adherence to rules of engagement and applicable laws in
all operations.
Onoja urged the media and the public to exercise restraint and avoid spreading
unverified reports that could embolden criminal elements, undermine troop morale
and erode public confidence in ongoing security efforts.
“The Armed Forces will continue to pursue and neutralise all threats to national
security with precision, professionalism and resolve,” he said.
