Nigeria's Defence Headquarters on Monday denied reports of civilian deaths from airstrikes in Niger state. The military stated these strikes were intelligence-led and only hit militant targets.
Major-General Michael Onoja, Defence spokesperson, confirmed drone strikes occurred overnight between May 9 and 10. These operations targeted the villages of Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu, and Kuduru in the Shiroro district. Intelligence indicated armed gangs, locally known as bandits, were gathering to plan attacks.
This denial came in response to Nigerian media reports alleging civilian casualties. Such reports highlight long-standing concerns about the impact of airstrikes on local communities. Nigeria's security forces are battling banditry in the northwest and a 17-year Islamist insurgency in the northeast.
Last month, approximately 200 people died after military jets struck a village market. This happened while pursuing Islamist militants in the northeast, according to local residents. The recurrence of such incidents underscores the complex challenges faced by the Nigerian military.
In the latest airstrikes, Major-General Onoja stated at least 70 suspected bandits died in Kusasu alone. Post-strike intelligence showed surviving fighters regrouping. More than 200 motorcycles moved toward the nearby Zango village.
“The strikes were precisely targeted at identified terrorist enclaves and achieved their intended military objectives,” Onoja said. He added that residents had relocated to another village beforehand. This relocation limited the likelihood of civilian presence during the strikes. However, he did not specify if civilians received warnings before the strikes. The military has ordered field units to investigate any claims of civilian harm.
The persistent issue of banditry and insurgency significantly affects Nigeria's economic stability. Conflict in key agricultural regions disrupts farming, leading to food insecurity and displacement. This internal strife also deters foreign investment, impacting job creation and national revenue. The government's expenditure on security operations strains public finances, diverting funds from critical development projects. This situation reflects a broader challenge seen in other West African nations grappling with similar security threats.
Transparency in military operations remains crucial for public trust and international support. Full investigations into civilian harm claims will shape public perception of the military's efforts. The continued fight against banditry and insurgency will influence peace and stability in the region. This situation warrants close monitoring by international observers and human rights organizations.