Military insists Shiroro bombardment targeted terrorist enclaves based on credible intelligence, orders verification of casualty claims

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports alleging civilian casualties during recent airstrikes in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, maintaining that the Nigerian military targeted only armed bandits and terrorist elements.

In a statement issued Sunday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said the operation followed credible intelligence that a large number of bandits had assembled at Lukupe Village on May 9, 2026.

Acting on this intelligence, the Nigerian Army’s UAV Command launched coordinated air interdiction strikes between 11:59 p.m. on May 10 and 6:00 a.m. on May 11, hitting identified bandit hideouts in Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu, and Kuduru villages.

Onoja said field intelligence confirmed that the strikes were accurate and effective, particularly in Kusasu, Katerma, and Bokko. He revealed that about 70 bandits were neutralised in Kusasu alone, with surviving fighters seen evacuating bodies from the scene.

The DHQ further disclosed that more than 200 armed bandits on motorcycles were later spotted advancing toward Zango, while additional groups from Bokko and Kopa—east of Mongoro—were observed regrouping, allegedly to launch attacks on nearby communities and security formations. The military said it acted swiftly to disrupt and neutralise the threat.

Addressing viral claims of civilian deaths, especially in Guradnayi settlement near Kusasu, Onoja insisted the strikes were carefully planned and executed using actionable intelligence confirming terrorist presence at the targeted locations.

He added that residents in the affected areas had reportedly relocated to Sarkin Pawa before the operation commenced.

“Contrary to circulating narratives, the strikes were precisely targeted at identified terrorist enclaves and achieved their intended objectives,” the statement read.

According to the DHQ, initial post-strike assessments indicated movements consistent with a weakened criminal force rather than civilian displacement. Nonetheless, the military has directed relevant units to investigate all claims of civilian harm.

Onoja urged the media and the public to avoid spreading unverified reports that could undermine ongoing military operations and affect troop morale.

He reaffirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to protecting civilians and conducting operations in line with established rules of engagement and international law.

The clarification follows widespread but unverified reports earlier on Sunday alleging civilian casualties from the aerial bombardment in Shiroro LGA.