A Nigerian Air Force airstrike in Zamfara State reportedly killed 16 vigilantes during operations targeting notorious bandit networks.

[dropcap]N[/dropcap]o fewer than 16 vigilantes were reportedly killed in an airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in Kakindawa village, Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The tragic incident occurred on Saturday evening as the group was en route to assist neighbours in Tungar Kara village following an attack by bandits.

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According to Garba Umar, an eyewitness and resident of Kakindawa, the vigilantes were heading to Tungar Kara when an aircraft dropped a bomb on them, mistaking them for the bandits who had already fled the area. Umar confirmed the deaths of 16 individuals, including his son.

“We mobilised our vigilante group to help Tungar Kara village after bandits attacked. Sadly, as we approached the village, an aircraft bombed us, killing 16 people,” Umar said.

NAF spokesperson, AVM Olusola Akinboyewa, did not directly comment on the alleged accidental airstrike but acknowledged ongoing operations under Operation Fansan Yamma in Zamfara.

These operations reportedly targeted bandit strongholds at Fakai Hills, inflicting heavy casualties on networks loyal to notorious bandit leader Kachallah Bello Turji.

In a statement, Zamfara State Governor Lawal Dauda’s spokesman, Sulaiman Bala, confirmed both the military’s efforts and the unintended civilian casualties. Bala expressed regret over the incident, extending condolences to the families of the deceased vigilantes.

“We pray for the souls of the fallen and assure their families that their sacrifices will not go in vain. The state government will provide necessary support to the bereaved,” Bala stated.

NAF highlighted the success of the coordinated air and ground assault in Fakai Hills, describing it as a significant blow to Turji’s network.

Intelligence reports indicated that several bandits were killed or severely injured, with some commanders fleeing under heavy military fire.

“Operation Fansan Yamma has delivered a decisive blow to banditry in Zamfara State,” Akinboyewa said. “Air strikes and ground assaults obliterated enemy hideouts, freed kidnapped victims, and brought relief to affected communities.”

This incident marks another case of unintended casualties in Nigeria’s counter-banditry operations. Just weeks earlier, a Christmas Day airstrike intended for Lakurawa terrorists mistakenly hit Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities, killing at least 10 civilians.

Public Relations Officer for Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt. Col. Abubakar Abdullahi, promised to investigate the Kakindawa incident.

While locals expressed gratitude for the military’s intensified actions against bandits, the loss of civilian lives has raised questions about operational precision.

The Zamfara State government has commended the military’s efforts while urging for improved measures to minimise civilian casualties in future operations.