• Amnesty International, youth group condemn incident, call for probe
• NAF: Turji’s whereabouts unknown, top bandit commanders killed
• Oyebanji hails military, celebrates Ekiti-born Army Chief
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) yesterday claimed there is no credible evidence to support reports that 16 civilians were killed during an airstrike targeting insurgents in Tungar Kara, Maradun Local Council of Zamfara State.
The rebuttal came as the Zamfara State government admitted the intervention has significantly degraded the bandits’ operational capacity and reaffirmed its commitment to providing all necessary support to the NAF and other security agencies.
Also, the Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) declared: “We are pleased with the ongoing military efforts to root out bandits from their hideouts. This operational strategy should be sustained and supported by all peace-loving citizens.”
Nevertheless, the state government and the APC chapter expressed condolences to the victims’ families. NAF insisted the strikes, conducted under Operation Hadarin Daji on January 10, were a “devastatingly well-coordinated air-ground assault” targeting banditry in the state.
Reports had emerged from the community alleging that 16 residents, including members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guard (ZCPG) and vigilantes, were mistakenly killed during the operation.
Maradun Local Council is the hometown of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.Olusola Akinboyewa, NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, denied the allegations, stating that the Air Force employs “every possible measure to prevent, minimise, and mitigate harm to civilians in the conduct of operations.”
He noted that the reports might be “emanating from terrorists and their sympathisers as a way of discrediting the military with propaganda, seeing that they are now increasingly on the receiving end.”
Akinboyewa said: “Nevertheless, please remain assured that the NAF operations against bandits, terrorists, and similar threats are conducted based on credible, reliable intelligence drawn from multiple verifiable sources and subject to further confirmatory analysis.
“The air component of Operation Hadarin Daji carried out the airstrikes in question to repel ongoing bandit attacks on villages in the area. As of date, we have not received any credible reports of civilian casualties being involved in this instance. As events unfold, members of the public will be kept informed as may become necessary.”
According to SBM Intelligence, a pan-African consulting firm, the NAF has conducted 17 accidental airstrikes between January 2017 and September 2024, killing approximately 500 people. These incidents are part of ongoing investigations by the International Criminal Court (ICC) into alleged human rights abuses by Nigerian security forces.
Meanwhile, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal commended the military’s efforts in the renewed offensive against bandits. In a statement issued in Gusau yesterday, the spokesperson for the governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, expressed deep condolences to the families of civilian casualties affected by the airstrike at Tungar Kara.
The statement clarified that the civilian casualties were members of the local vigilante who were mistakenly identified as bandits fleeing from Gidan Makera in the Boko district of Zurmi Local Council.
The statement reads in part: “We have received multiple positive reports of precision strikes carried out by the air component of Operation Hadarin Daji over the weekend in troubled Maradun and Zurmi Local Councils.
“This intervention by the military has significantly degraded the operational capacity of the bandits and has demonstrated the commitment of the NAF to fulfilling its constitutional mandate of protecting civilians and safeguarding the lives and property of the people.
“As a responsible government, we assure all the people of the state that the government of Zamfara remains steadfast in its resolve to sustain the gains made in the fight against banditry and related criminality. The recent success indicates that the collaborative efforts between the state and federal security agencies yield positive results.
“In light of these achievements, the state government reaffirms its commitment to providing all necessary support to the NAF and other security agencies to sustain their operations and bring lasting peace to the state.
“Regrettably, some members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local vigilantes were also affected during the operation in Tungar Kara, resulting in the loss of lives. We pray to Almighty Allah to grant them Jannah.
“The state government extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen CJTF personnel and assures them that the sacrifices of the deceased will not be in vain. The government will provide necessary support and assistance to the bereaved families.
“Finally, the government calls on people to be vigilant, report all suspicious activities, and cooperate fully with security personnel. Through collective effort and unity of purpose, the fight against banditry can be won, bringing enduring peace and stability to Zamfara State.”
However, Amnesty International called on Nigerian authorities to conduct an immediate and impartial investigation into the airstrike. In a statement shared on its official X handle, Amnesty International condemned the attack as unlawful and reckless. “Launching air raids is not a legitimate law enforcement method by anyone’s standard. Such reckless use of deadly force is unlawful, outrageous, and lays bare the Nigerian military’s shocking disregard for the lives of those it supposedly exists to protect,” the statement read.
Amnesty International urged the government to prioritise civilian protection while addressing insecurity. “We demand justice for the victims and a comprehensive review of military tactics to prevent further tragedies,” the statement concluded.
Similarly, the Northern Star Youth Empowerment Initiative (NSYEI) condemned the deadly airstrike. In a statement issued in Kaduna yesterday, the Director-General of NSYEI, Dr Abdullahi Idris, described the strike as a recurring tragedy. “This is one too many. The NAF has carved an image for itself as more specialised in killing innocent civilians than combating marauding bandits,” he said.
Idris referenced a similar incident last month in Silame Local Council of Sokoto State, where scores of civilians were killed under similar circumstances. He also noted previous airstrikes in Kaduna State and other northern regions that have led to significant civilian casualties.
The NSYEI had earlier called for an independent probe into the Sokoto attack to identify those responsible, compensate victims, and prevent future occurrences. “Unfortunately, our calls for transparency and accountability were ignored, and now this tragedy in Zamfara has occurred,” Idris lamented.
He warned that without transparency in military operations, innocent lives would continue to be needlessly lost. “We unequivocally demand an independent investigation to identify the culprits, hold them accountable, and compensate victims. There is an urgent need to overhaul the conduct of counterinsurgency operations, particularly those of the Air Force,” Idris added.
The group condemned the incident as “unprofessional” and urged military authorities to prevent a recurrence. In its reactions, the Zamfara chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed condolences to the government and people of the state.
In a statement issued in Gusau yesterday, the State APC Publicity Secretary, Mr Yusuf Idris, described the incident as tragic and unfortunate. “The Zamfara APC Chairman, Alhaji Tukur Danfulani, wishes to extend heartfelt condolences to the government and people of the state over the accidental airstrike,” he said. Idris noted that the airstrike led to the death of several innocent individuals, including vigilantes.
“We mourn the gallant sacrifices of our people who paid the supreme price while chasing bandits who have made life unbearable for them. We pray to Allah to accept their martyrdom, accommodate them in Jannah, and grant their families the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss,” Idris said.
The APC commended President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to ending banditry in Zamfara and the Northwest. The party also praised the Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, for his efforts to tackle the region’s insecurity.
Idris highlighted the achievements of Operation Hadarin Daji, noting that over 25 terrorists were recently eliminated at hideouts under the control of notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji in the Fakai community, Shinkafi Local Council.
“We are pleased with the ongoing military efforts to root out bandits from their hideouts. This operational strategy should be sustained and supported by all peace-loving citizens,” the statement added.
Relatedly, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji commended the military for its sacrifices and bravery in combating terrorism and safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity. He also praised the Federal Government for empowering the military in its operations.
Speaking during an inter-denominational service marking the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Ado Ekiti yesterday, Oyebanji, represented by his deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, lauded the appointment of Ekiti-born Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Army Staff, describing it as a historic milestone for the state.
“We salute the gallant efforts of our military personnel who have given their lives or suffered injuries in defence of our nation. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten,” Oyebanji said.
The governor urged Nigerians to support families of fallen soldiers and those injured in the line of duty, emphasising the need for ongoing assistance.
“This service is to remember and pray for the heroes who fought for the unity of Nigeria. It is vital to extend care and support to the families of those who paid the ultimate price and to our veterans,” he added.
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