The Defence Headquarters said operations against armed groups in the area would continue as security forces intensify efforts to curb banditry and restore security.
The Nigerian military has denied reports alleging civilian casualties during recent airstrikes in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, insisting that the operation targeted armed bandits and resulted in the deaths of dozens of fighters.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said the strikes were launched after intelligence reports indicated that armed bandits had gathered at Lukupe Village in Shiroro LGA on May 9, 2026.
According to the Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Army UAV Command carried out a series of coordinated air interdiction operations between 11:59 p.m. on May 10 and 6 a.m., targeting suspected bandit hideouts in Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu and Kuduru villages.
Onoja said intelligence gathered from local sources showed that the strikes were “precise on target” in Kusasu, Katerma and Bokko villages, dismissing claims that civilians were affected.
Routing out insecurity
He disclosed that about 70 bandits were killed in Kusasu village alone, while surviving fighters were reportedly seen evacuating bodies from the area for burial.
“In line with the Armed Forces of Nigeria mandate to conduct operations to rout out all forms of insecurity in the country, intelligence reports indicated the convergence of armed bandits at Lukupe Village in Shiroro LGA,” the statement said.
“Subsequently, the Nigerian Army UAV Command, acting on intelligence, conducted multiple airstrikes on different bandit locations, including Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu and Kuduru villages. Further reports from local sources confirmed that the aerial interdiction was precise on target.”
The military further revealed that more than 200 armed bandits riding on motorcycles were later sighted moving towards Zango, while another group from Bokko was allegedly advancing in the same direction to regroup for possible attacks on Sarkin Pawa, Kuchi and government security facilities.
The Defence Headquarters said operations against armed groups in the area would continue as security forces intensify efforts to curb banditry and restore stability in parts of Niger State.
Nigeria’s military air campaign against armed bandits has increasingly relied on drones and air interdiction strikes in remote areas where heavily armed groups operate across forests and difficult terrain. However, past air operations have also drawn scrutiny following incidents in which civilians were mistakenly killed during bombardments.
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