At least 16 civilians were killed in an air strike conducted by the Nigerian military in Zamfara State, north-west Nigeria, after being reportedly mistaken for criminal gangs. The victims included local vigilante members and civilians who were defending their communities from armed gangs known for mass kidnappings.
The air strikes targeted militants in the Zurmi and Maradun areas. Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, extended condolences to the affected families.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) confirmed conducting the strikes, stating they aimed to neutralize bandits terrorizing villages and had successfully eliminated several militants while rescuing kidnap victims. However, the military acknowledged receiving reports of civilian casualties and has launched a comprehensive investigation to verify the details.
Local sources reported that the victims were returning home after repelling bandits when they were struck. Sa’idu Ibrahim, a community member, mentioned that 16 bodies were recovered, while several others with severe injuries were taken to the hospital.
Amnesty International Nigeria reported a higher toll of 20 dead and dozens injured in Tunga Kara village. The organization condemned the air strike, describing it as “reckless” and “outrageous,” criticizing the military’s use of deadly force in civilian areas.
This incident is part of a troubling pattern of accidental military air strikes in Nigeria. Recent cases include a Christmas Day bombing that killed at least 10 civilians in Sokoto State and a 2023 attack where 85 civilians, mostly women and children, died during a religious gathering in Kaduna State.
The Nigerian military has pledged transparency in its ongoing investigation and promised to share findings with the public to restore confidence in its operations.