DHQ Denies Civilian Casualties in Shiroro Air Strikes, Says 70 Bandits Killed

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The Defence Headquarters has dismissed reports alleging civilian casualties during recent aerial bombardments carried out by the Nigerian military in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

According to a statement signed by the director media operations Major General Michael Onoja, the air strikes were conducted by the Nigerian Army UAV Command between late May 9 and early hours of May 10, following intelligence reports on the movement and gathering of armed bandits in Lukupe village and surrounding communities.

The military said the operations targeted bandit enclaves in Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu, and Kuduru villages, where armed groups were allegedly planning attacks on nearby communities and security formations.

Defence Headquarters disclosed that about 70 bandits were killed during the strikes in Kusasu, while surviving fighters were seen evacuating bodies and retreating on motorcycles toward Zango.

The statement added that intelligence reports also indicated movements of armed groups from Bokko and Kopa areas, suggesting plans to attack Sarkin Pawa, Kuchi, and Mongoro communities before the military intervention.

Defence Headquarters insisted that the aerial interdiction was “precise and successful,” maintaining that all identified targets were confirmed terrorist locations.

The military further argued that local residents had earlier relocated to Sarkin Pawa for safety before the operation, a development it said contradicts claims that civilians were present in the affected areas during the strikes.

However, the Defence Headquarters said military authorities had directed relevant formations to verify allegations of civilian casualties, if any.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria urged the media and the public to avoid spreading what it described as unverified reports capable of undermining military operations and boosting terrorist propaganda.

It reaffirmed the military’s commitment to conducting operations in line with rules of engagement and international laws while sustaining efforts to eliminate security threats across the country.