Nigeria’s military has claimed air strikes targeting terror groups in the north-central Niger state killed about 70 terrorists during coordinated operations, denying reports of civilian casualties.
In a statement on Monday, the Defence Headquarters said the aerial operation was carried out in the early hours of Sunday across Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu and Kuduru villages in the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
Director of Defence Media Operations Michael Onoja said the strikes were launched following “credible and actionable intelligence” on the movement and gathering of armed criminal groups planning attacks on communities and security formations in the area.
“The operation was carefully planned and precisely executed against identified terrorist enclaves,” Onoja said, dismissing allegations that civilians were affected during the bombardment.
According to the military, post-strike intelligence indicated that dozens of terrorists were killed, while more than 200 gunmen on motorcycles fled toward the nearby Zango area after the bombardment.
Onoja said residents in communities around the targeted locations had relocated to Sarkin Pawa before the operation as a precautionary measure, arguing that the movement contradicted claims that civilians were present during the strikes.
The military, however, said it had directed relevant formations to investigate allegations of civilian casualties “if any” in order to establish the facts surrounding the reports.
Nigeria’s armed forces have faced scrutiny in recent years over air strikes that allegedly hit civilians during operations against terror groups, including bandits operating in parts of the country.
The defence headquarters reiterated that military operations are conducted in line with established rules of engagement and international law.
