Residents of Zamfara State were again thrown into mourning as an accidental bombing from the airstrikes by men of the Nigerian Air Force killed some vigilantes.
The bombing was confirmed by NAF on Monday, stating that over 20 terrorists were eliminated during an air interdiction mission on May 31, 2025, in Zamfara State.
The success, according to the Force, was, however, overshadowed by the accidental bombing of local vigilantes, resulting in two deaths and injuries to two others.
The incident followed the January 2025 accidental bombing of at least 16 civilians in the state, after being mistaken for criminal gangs.
In a statement on Monday, NAF spokesman, Ehimen Ejodame, said the operation, part of Operation Fansan Yamma, targeted a terrorist enclave south of Mai-Galma in the Maru Local Government Area.
The strike was launched after credible intelligence revealed a large group of bandits was preparing a coordinated assault on nearby communities.
“In a swift response to a distress call, the Nigerian Air Force, on May 31, 2025, successfully neutralised over 20 armed terrorists and destroyed more than 21 motorcycles during an air interdiction operation in Zamfara State.
“Intelligence indicated the bandits had killed farmers and abducted civilians, including women and children,” the statement read.
Ejodame explained that upon arrival, the NAF aircraft spotted over 30 motorcycles carrying armed fighters advancing toward the forest.
When the terrorists opened fire on the aircraft, a precision airstrike was launched, eliminating scores of terrorists and destroying their vehicles.
However, ground forces later confirmed that two local vigilantes died and two others were injured in the aerial bombardment.
The NAF deeply regrets the loss of these brave vigilantes and remains committed to working with local communities to ensure the safety and security of all citizens,” Ejodame said.
He assured the public that all NAF operations adhered to international humanitarian law and civilian harm mitigation policies, emphasising ongoing investigations and continued efforts to rescue kidnapped villagers.
As investigations continue, the NAF assures the public that all necessary measures are taken to protect civilians while intensifying pressure on criminal elements threatening peace in the region,” he said.
Meanwhile, eyewitness accounts from Unguwar Mani village in Maru LG painted a grim picture of the incident.
An anonymous local source told The KUKURUKU that the airstrike occurred as bandits, riding motorcycles, were moving through the village with over 50 abducted farmers.
The local vigilante group, the source said, had mobilised to rescue the captives but were mistakenly bombed by the Nigerian Air Force aircraft.
The bandits had already kidnapped over 50 farmers and were trying to move back to their hideouts.
Unfortunately, the vigilantes who went out to rescue those abducted were mistakenly bombarded by the aircraft,” the source said.
He further confirmed that more than 20 people, including vigilantes, lost their lives in the strike, while the bandits escaped into the forest with the abducted victims.
Efforts to reach the spokesperson for Operation Hadarin Daji, Lt Col Suleiman Omale, for comments were unsuccessful, as he was attending a funeral.
I can’t talk to you at the moment because I am currently in my hometown attending the burial of my mother. I will call you later when I am less busy,” Omale said.
