DHQ Confirms Massive Airstrike In Niger, 70 Bandits K!lled In Shiroro Operation

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has defended recent air interdiction operations conducted in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, insisting that the strikes were directed exclusively at armed bandits and not civilian populations.

According to Ireporter Online, the clarification follows claims from some residents of the Guradnayi community near Kusasu, who alleged that an early Sunday morning airstrike may have impacted parts of their settlement, reportedly damaging structures and triggering panic.

In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the military explained that the operation was executed based on credible and actionable intelligence indicating that armed bandits had assembled at Lukupe Village in Shiroro LGA on May 9, 2026.

The statement noted that coordinated airstrikes were carried out by the Nigerian Army UAV Command between 11:59 p.m. on May 9 and 6:00 a.m. on May 10, targeting identified locations in Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu, and Kuduru villages.

The Defence Headquarters maintained that the strikes were precision-driven and focused on established terrorist enclaves, stressing that about 70 armed bandits were neutralised in Kusasu alone. It added that the targeted groups were under surveillance and were confirmed to be planning attacks on nearby communities and military installations.

The military further dismissed suggestions that civilians were present within the operational zones, stating that many residents had earlier relocated to Sarkin Pawa due to rising insecurity in the area, thereby weakening claims of civilian exposure during the operation.

Post-operation assessments, according to the DHQ, indicated heavy casualties among the bandits, while surviving fighters were reportedly seen fleeing on motorcycles towards Zango.

However, residents of Guradnayi community maintained that explosions were felt during the night raid, with some alleging that parts of their settlement were affected. A resident, Mr. Kasim Abbas, claimed that two explosions were recorded, one near a river in Kusasu and another within Guradnayi, although he could not confirm casualty figures.

The Niger State Commissioner for Homeland Security, Barrister Maurice Magaji, stated that the government was yet to receive full details of the incident, noting that military operations are typically coordinated from Abuja.

Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters has directed relevant formations to investigate claims of possible civilian casualties, while reiterating that the operation achieved its primary objective of dismantling bandit strongholds.

The military also cautioned against the spread of unverified information, urging the public and media to avoid speculation that could undermine ongoing security efforts in the region.