Airstrike in Zamfara kills over 20 bandits, but claims vigilante casualties
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army has confirmed that over 20 bandits were neutralised during a coordinated air interdiction operation in Maraya and Wabi villages of Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, while four members of a local vigilante group were also affected in the attack.
Zagazola Makama gathered from reliably sources that the airstrike, which occurred on Saturday, May 31, was followed by a ground exploitation mission on Saturday by troops of Operation Fansan Yanma to assess the impact and conduct clearance operations in the area.
The sources said that the interdiction inflicted significant losses on the terrorists, including the destruction of their motorcycles and equipment.
“During the exploitation on June 1, it was confirmed that over 20 bandits were neutralised and several motorcycles destroyed,” the source stated.
However, the source also confirmed that some number of vigilante personnel were mistakenly caught in the strike due to a failure to comply with withdrawal orders issued ahead of the operation.
“Unfortunately, five vigilante members were killed, while two others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment in the hospital. A few others sustained minor injuries and did not require hospitalisation,” the source added.
According to field reports, the leader of the vigilante group has accepted full responsibility for the casualties suffered by his men, stating that they disregarded earlier instructions to withdraw from the outskirts of the village ahead of the airstrike.
“He admitted that despite being informed of the imminent air operation, some of the vigilante youths insisted on pursuing the fleeing bandits and were still within the target area when the aircraft struck,” the military source said.
Zagazola learnt that the interdiction was part of intensified counter-terrorism efforts by troops under Operation Hadarin Daji to degrade the operational capacity of armed groups terrorising communities across Zamfara and neighbouring states.
The sources said that the military has consistently warned local security outfits and civilian volunteers to adhere strictly to operational guidelines and instructions during joint operations to prevent unintended casualties.
The latest operation comes amid renewed efforts by the Nigerian Armed Forces to stabilise rural areas ahead of the farming season and restore civil authority in volatile communities across the North-West.
