A Nigerian military airstrike targeting armed groups in the country’s conflict-ridden northwest mistakenly killed several civilians, including members of community security outfits, authorities and local residents said Sunday.
The airstrike, which took place in the Zurmi and Maradun areas of Zamfara state, is the third such misfire by the military in just over a year during aerial attacks on extremist and rebel groups.
The Nigeria Air Force was aiming at rebels in the region when the strike hit, with some victims mistakenly identified as fleeing bandits, according to Sulaiman Bala Idris, spokesman for the state governor. “Regrettably, some members of the Civilian Joint Task Force and local vigilantes were also affected during the operation in Tungar Kara, resulting in the loss of lives,” Idris said in a statement.
Officials have not confirmed the number of civilian casualties, and the Air Force has not issued a statement. However, local resident Salisu Maradun said up to 20 bodies were counted, with at least 10 others receiving treatment for injuries.
Despite the civilian deaths, the Zamfara government described the airstrike as “successful,” claiming it had “decisively targeted bandits” as part of a “renewed onslaught” by the military. “We will continue to offer support to enhance intelligence sharing, provide logistics, and strengthen community engagement,” the statement said.
The Nigerian military regularly conducts air raids to combat extremist violence that has plagued the northern region of the country. However, these operations have led to the deaths of approximately 400 civilians since 2017, according to the Lagos-based research firm SBM Intelligence.
In December 2023, more than 80 civilians were mistakenly killed during a religious gathering in Kaduna state. Following a similar incident in May 2024, the Nigerian military announced that two personnel would face a court martial, although it has not released the findings of the investigation, prompting criticism from rights groups for a lack of transparency.