The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports alleging civilian casualties during an aerial interdiction operation carried out in the early hours of Sunday, 10 May 2026, in Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu, and Kuduru villages in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
The DHQ insisted that the precision strike targeted armed criminals based on credible intelligence.
The Director of Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said in a statement that; “The operations were meticulously planned and executed based on credible, actionable intelligence confirming the convergence of terrorists at those specific locations.”
According to him, contrary to the narrative being circulated, the strikes were precisely targeted at identified terrorist enclaves and achieved their intended military objectives, neutralising approximately 70 armed bandits in Kusasu alone.
READ ALSO: DHQ Refutes Report, Clarifies CDS Remarks on Terrorism
He noted that the armed groups had been tracked and confirmed as hostile elements actively planning attacks on civilian communities and military assets in the area.
“It is particularly instructive that, well ahead of the aerial interdiction, all local civilian communities within the general area had, out of an abundance of caution, voluntarily relocated to Sarkin Pawa for their safety.
“This fact alone fundamentally undermines the claim that innocent residents were present in the strike zones at the time of the operation.” He explained
General Onoja stated that post-strike intelligence assessments and verified reports from local sources further confirmed that the aerial interdiction was precise and on target, with terrorists subsequently observed gathering the remains of their fallen colleagues for burial, while others, numbering over 200 and mounted on motorcycles, were sighted retreating towards Zango.
“These are not the movements of a civilian population; they are the signature of a degraded but still mobile criminal force.” He clarified
Nonetheless, he said relevant military formations had been directed to verify the allegations of civilian casualties, if any.
He stressed that, in line with the mandate of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to combat all forms of insecurity across the country, intelligence reports on 9 May 2026 indicated the convergence of armed bandits at Lukupe village in Shiroro LGA.
Subsequently, between 11:59 p.m. on 9 May and 6:00 a.m. on 10 May 2026, the Nigerian Army UAV Command, acting on intelligence, conducted multiple air strikes on bandit locations in Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu, and Kuduru villages, all within Shiroro LGA of Niger State.
Further reports from local sources confirmed that the aerial interdiction was precise and on target in Kusasu, Katerma, and Bokko. It was gathered that about 70 bandits were killed in Kusasu.
Others were reportedly seen gathering the remains of their colleagues for burial, while another group of about 200 riders on motorcycles moved towards Zango.
Another group from Bokko was also seen advancing towards Zango, apparently to meet their colleagues and possibly plan either a retreat or an attack on Sarkin Pawa or government and security infrastructure in Kuchi.
Meanwhile, another group was reportedly seen gathering at Kopa, east of Mongoro, suggesting a possible plan to attack government or security installations in Mongoro.
The military said it took necessary steps to neutralise all the threats in a timely manner.
The AFN reaffirmed its commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens and stated that all operations are conducted in strict compliance with the rules of engagement and applicable laws.
The Defence Headquarters urged the media and the public to exercise restraint and avoid amplifying unverified reports that could embolden criminal elements, undermine troop morale, and weaken public confidence in ongoing security operations.
It warned that individuals spreading unsubstantiated claims of civilian casualties without credible evidence or without seeking an official military response before publication risk becoming unwitting tools of terrorist propaganda.
The military added that the Armed Forces of Nigeria would continue to pursue and neutralise threats to national security with precision, professionalism, and resolve.
