Nigerian air strike targeting bandits accidentally kills civilians african union news

The Nigerian Air Force launched an investigation after reports that at least 15 people were killed in an airstrike in Zamfara state.

An airstrike targeting criminal gangs in northwestern Nigeria accidentally killed civilians, according to reports citing officials and locals.

In a statement on Sunday, a spokesperson for the Zamfara State Governor said the Nigerian Air Force over the weekend targeted alleged bandits in Maradun and Zurmi local government areas who have been involved in killing villagers and carrying out mass kidnappings.

Suleiman Bala Idris said, “Regrettably, some members of the Civilian Joint Task Force and local vigilantes were affected during the operation in Tungar Kara.”

He said members of local self-defense groups were “mistakenly identified as bandits fleeing” from the Zurmi area.

Authorities have not given the exact death toll, but the Associated Press news agency quoted resident Salisu Maradun as saying he counted 20 bodies, while 10 others were being treated for injuries. Residents also told Reuters news agency that at least 15 civilians, including local security guards, were killed.

The Air Force said it had launched a “comprehensive investigation” into the incident and promised to work “to mitigate and minimize any harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure.”

It said its operations had “successfully eliminated several bandits and led to the recovery of some kidnapping victims”.

In recent years, the Air Force has been increasing the use of air strikes against armed groups and gangs in north-west and central Nigeria.

However, air strikes have accidentally killed civilians on several occasions, including in December 2023 when more than 80 civilians were killed during a religious gathering in northern Kaduna state.

Nearly 400 civilians have been killed in military air strikes since 2017, according to the Lagos-based SBM intelligence research firm.