An airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in Kakindawa village, Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State, resulted in the deaths of 16 vigilantes.
The operation, intended to target bandits terrorizing the region, accidentally struck members of a local vigilante group heading to assist another community under attack.
Garba Umar, a resident of Kakindawa, explained that the vigilantes were en route to Tungar Kara village, where bandits had attempted to steal livestock and abduct residents.
According to Umar, “As the vigilante group approached the village, an aircraft appeared and dropped a bomb on them, even though the bandits had already escaped.” The casualties included Umar’s son, among others.
The NAF spokesman, AVM Olusola Akinboyewa, did not respond to direct inquiries but released a statement detailing a coordinated military operation targeting bandits in Fakai Hills. This operation reportedly inflicted heavy losses on bandits loyal to the notorious leader Kachallah Bello Turji. However, the accidental bombing overshadowed the mission’s success.
Zamfara State Governor Lawal Dauda expressed regret over the civilian casualties. His spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala, acknowledged the positive impact of military operations in degrading bandit activities but noted the tragic loss of innocent lives.
Bala said, “We have received multiple positive reports of precision strikes carried out by the Air Component of Operation Fansar Yamma over the weekend in troubled Maradun and Zurmi local government areas.
“This intervention by the military has significantly degraded the operational capacity of the bandits and has shown the commitment of the Nigeria Air Force to carrying out its constitutional mandate of protecting civilians and safeguarding the lives and property of the people.”
He, however, expressed regrets that “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.”
“We pray to Almighty Allah to grant them Jannah. The state government extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen JTF personnel and assures them that the sacrifices of the deceased will not go in vain.
“The government will provide necessary support and assistance to the bereaved families,” the governor’s aide said.
This incident comes weeks after another accidental airstrike in Sokoto State on Christmas Day, which killed at least 10 civilians. Calls for improved precision and intelligence in military operations have grown as such incidents continue to cause unintended harm to civilians.
