Nigerian Military Denies Civilian Casualties After Airstrikes in Shiroro, Niger State

On the night of May 9–10, 2026, the Nigerian Army UAV Command struck the villages of Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu and Kuduru in Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State, targeting armed bandit groups identified by intelligence.

Over 70 bandits killed: Military refutes claim of civilian casualties in Shiroro airstrikes

Banditry has long plagued Nigeria’s northwest, while a separate Islamist insurgency persists in the northeast. The military’s use of aerial interdiction has increased, including a jet strike that killed around 200 people in a market in the northeast.

The Straits Times

Major-General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, served as the DHQ spokesperson. Niger State Commissioner for Homeland Security Maurice Magaji defended the operation. The targets were armed bandit groups; local civilians were alleged victims.

DHQ Confirms Niger Airstrikes, Says 70 Bandits Killed In Shiroro

The DHQ reported roughly 70 bandits killed in Kusasu and observed over 200 motorcycles fleeing toward Zango. Residents claim at least 12 civilians died, including four children burnt beyond recognition and a fifth child hospitalized.

Despite pictorial evidence, military denies civilian casualties in Niger airstrikes

The DHQ said the strikes were “precisely targeted at identified terrorist enclaves and achieved their intended military objectives.” Onoja added that civilians had been warned and relocated to Sarkin Pawa before the raids. Magaji reiterated that only terrorists and informants were killed.

Despite pictorial evidence, military denies civilian casualties in Niger airstrikes

Civil-society groups and media cited graphic images of burnt children and wounded adults, questioning the accuracy of targeting. The Premium Times reported testimonies of civilian deaths, and the Punch noted a pattern of disputed casualty figures in prior operations.

Despite pictorial evidence, military denies civilian casualties in Niger airstrikes

Resident Auta Awododo said a bomb fell near the Kusasu river at about 5 a.m., followed by a second strike on Guradnayi that killed twelve people in his relative’s house. Kasim Abbas described damaged houses but could not confirm casualties. A local security source said fleeing bandits continued operations in neighboring councils.

Blueprint Newspaper

The military maintains no civilians were present, citing pre-strike evacuations, while eyewitnesses and photographs suggest otherwise. Independent verification is limited by restricted access to the villages, leaving the exact casualty count unresolved.

Despite pictorial evidence, military denies civilian casualties in Niger airstrikes

• “The strikes were precisely targeted at identified terrorist enclaves and achieved their intended military objectives,” — Major-General Michael Onoja

The Straits Times

• “It was a very successful military action against the terrorists. No civilian was killed. The only people killed were the terrorists and their informants in Shiroro,” — Maurice Magaji

Despite pictorial evidence, military denies civilian casualties in Niger airstrikes

• “It happened around 5 a.m.,” — Auta Awododo, resident of Kusasu

Blueprint Newspaper

• “Even though terrorists were killed in the assault, the operation didn’t deter them from their intent,” — Unnamed security source

Blueprint Newspaper

• “The Armed Forces will continue to pursue and neutralise all threats to national security with precision, professionalism and resolve,” — Major-General Michael Onoja

Over 70 bandits killed: Military refutes claim of civilian casualties in Shiroro airstrikes

The DHQ ordered field units to investigate the civilian-casualty claims and verify the intelligence used. Findings could trigger procedural reviews, but the military has indicated that aerial operations will remain a central component of its anti-bandit strategy.

Nigerian Military Denies Civilian Deaths After Niger State Airstrikes Target Bandit Gatherings