Zamfara: DHQ Debunks Civilian Casualties, Says Airstrike Hit Terrorists
The Defence Headquarters has dismissed reports alleging civilian casualties during the recent air-land operation carried out by troops of Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in Zamfara State, insisting that the strike targeted only terrorists.
The military said the operation, conducted on May 10, 2026, was aimed at a confirmed gathering of terrorist ring leaders at Tumfa Village in Shinkafi Local Government Area of the state.
According to the Defence Headquarters, the location had been verified through credible multi-source human intelligence as a coordination point for planned attacks against communities across the North West region.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the military described reports of civilian casualties and varying casualty figures circulating in the media as misleading, speculative and unverified.
The statement noted that the operation was an air interdiction strike, making it impossible to immediately determine precise casualty figures on the ground.
“The official position remains that several terrorists were neutralised, as confirmed by a Battle Damage Assessment conducted after the strike,” the statement said.
Read Also:
The Defence Headquarters further rejected allegations being circulated in some quarters, including claims reportedly amplified by certain international human rights organisations, maintaining that no credible evidence of civilian casualties had been established through official assessment or independent verification.
It stressed that the targeted structure was occupied exclusively by armed non-state actors who posed direct threats to innocent civilians.
The military also cautioned against relying on unverified social media reports or adversarial sources capable of undermining ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
Reaffirming its commitment to professionalism, the Defence Headquarters stated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria conducts all operations under strict Rules of Engagement and in compliance with International Humanitarian Law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution.
The military emphasised that civilians are never deliberately targeted and that operational measures are consistently taken to minimise the risk of civilian harm.
It added that troops are still carrying out exploitation and clearance operations within the general area, while urging the public to rely only on verified information released through official Defence Headquarters channels.
The statement assured that any confirmed incidents involving civilian casualties would be transparently communicated in line with directives of the Chief of Defence Staff on accountability and professionalism in military operations.
By PRNigeria
