An airstrike in Kakindawa village, Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State, killed at least 16 vigilantes on Saturday evening.
A resident of the area, Garba Umar, shared the details with The PUNCH, explaining that the vigilante group was on its way to assist villagers in Tungar Kara, who had been attacked by bandits.
The Nigerian Air Force spokesperson, AVM Olusola Akinboyewa, did not respond to The PUNCH’s inquiry on Sunday regarding the reported accidental airstrike.
However, he issued a statement revealing that the military’s Operation Fansan Yamma had carried out a joint air and ground assault on Fakai Hills, targeting bandits loyal to the notorious Kachallah Bello Turji.
Despite the operation’s success in neutralizing many bandits, including Turji’s commanders, the Zamfara State Governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala, confirmed that civilian casualties occurred during the operation.
Bala said, “We have received multiple positive reports of precision strikes carried out by the Air Component of Operation Fansar Yamma over the weekend in troubled Maradun and Zurmi local government areas. This intervention by the military has significantly degraded the operational capacity of the bandits and has shown the commitment of the Nigeria Air Force to carrying out its constitutional mandate of protecting civilians and safeguarding the lives and property of the people.”
However, Bala expressed regret over the loss of lives, particularly among members of the Civilian Joint Task Force and local vigilantes, adding, “We pray to Almighty Allah to grant them Jannah. The state government extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen JTF personnel and assures them that the sacrifices of the deceased will not go in vain. The government will provide necessary support and assistance to the bereaved families.”
Umar recalled that as the vigilante group was about to reach Tungar Kara around 3:30 p.m., an aircraft appeared and dropped a bomb on them, despite the fact that the bandits had already fled.
“We counted 16 people killed in the bombardment, including my son,” he said.
When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt. Col. Abubakar Abdullahi, promised to investigate the matter.
This bombing comes weeks after a similar accidental strike on Christmas Day, when the NAF mistakenly bombed civilians in two communities in Silame Local Government, killing at least 10 people.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, NAF spokesperson Akinboyewa provided further details on the operation against Turji’s network, which took place on January 10, 2025.
“Air strikes and synchronised ground assaults at Fakai Hills decimated scores of bandits, leaving many others gravely wounded,” Akinboyewa said.
Intelligence reports confirmed that Turji’s network suffered heavy losses, and several top commanders were injured during the assault.
The statement also highlighted the rescue of several kidnapped victims, with Akinboyewa stating, “This resounding success has been met with widespread celebrations from locals in Zamfara State, who expressed relief and gratitude for the operation’s positive impact.”
The Zamfara State government praised the military’s efforts in the ongoing battle against banditry but also expressed condolences for the civilian casualties, including those from the Tungar Kara airstrike.
