By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Defence Headquarters has defended recent airstrikes in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, saying the operations targeted armed bandits based on credible intelligence. The strikes occurred between May 9 and May 10, 2026, in Kusasu, Katerma, Bokko, and Kuduru villages. Residents, however, alleged that bombs hit civilian communities, destroyed houses, and caused panic over possible casualties. The military insisted the mission successfully neutralised about 70 bandits and aimed to prevent attacks on nearby communities and military facilities.
Residents Allege Civilian Impact
Residents of Guradnayi community near Kusasu claimed that one of the bombs landed close to the river in Kusasu, while another struck Guradnayi.
A resident, Mr. Kasim Abbas, said several houses were damaged during the operation. However, he could not confirm the number of casualties.
“The military first dropped a bomb near the river in Kusasu, while the second bomb was dropped at Guradnayi,” he alleged.
Consequently, fear spread across nearby communities as residents searched for missing relatives and assessed damaged property.
Niger State Government Reacts
The Niger State Ministry of Homeland Security said it had yet to receive full details about the incident.
Barrister Maurice Magaji, the Commissioner for Homeland Security, explained that military operations of this nature are usually coordinated from Abuja.
Therefore, the state government said it would wait for verified reports before making further comments.
Defence Headquarters Explains Air Operations
In a statement signed by Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, the military said the Nigerian Army UAV Command conducted coordinated air interdiction missions after receiving actionable intelligence.
According to the statement, intelligence reports confirmed that armed bandits had gathered at Lukupe Village in Shiroro LGA on May 9, 2026.
The military added that the operations lasted from 11:59 p.m. on May 9 until 6:00 a.m. on May 10.
Furthermore, the Defence Headquarters stated that the strikes accurately targeted terrorist enclaves in Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu, and Kuduru villages.
Military Claims 70 Bandits Neutralised
The Defence Headquarters maintained that the operation achieved its intended objectives.
It said post-strike assessments showed that surviving fighters fled toward Zango on motorcycles after the attacks.
“Contrary to the narrative being circulated, the strikes were precisely targeted at identified terrorist enclaves,” the statement noted.
The military also claimed that approximately 70 armed bandits were neutralised in Kusasu alone.
“These are armed groups who had been tracked and confirmed as hostile elements actively planning attacks on civilian communities and military assets in the area,” the statement added.
Military Denies Presence of Civilians
The military argued that civilians were unlikely to have been present during the operation.
It explained that residents in surrounding communities had reportedly relocated voluntarily to Sarkin Pawa before the strikes.
As a result, the Defence Headquarters questioned reports suggesting that civilians were inside the targeted areas.
Meanwhile, the military directed relevant formations to verify allegations of civilian casualties.
It also urged the public and media organisations to avoid spreading unverified information while security operations continue in the region.
