DHQ Rejects Civilian Death Claims

DHQ Rejects Civilian Death Claims

The Defence Headquarters has dismissed reports claiming civilians died during recent military airstrikes in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

The military said the operation targeted armed bandits after intelligence reports showed fighters gathering in several villages across the area before possible attacks.

According to Defence spokesman Major General Michael Onoja, Nigerian Army drone operators carried out coordinated strikes between late Saturday night and early Sunday morning in Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu and Kuduru communities.

The military said the operation followed surveillance showing armed groups moving on motorcycles towards nearby settlements and security locations.

The Defence Headquarters disclosed that about 70 bandits were killed in Kusasu during the bombardment, while survivors were seen evacuating bodies from the area.

Military authorities insisted the strikes hit only criminal hideouts and claimed residents had already moved to safer locations before the operation began.

The military also rejected allegations of civilian casualties but said security formations had been directed to verify reports from affected communities.

Authorities the public and media organisations to avoid spreading unconfirmed information capable of affecting ongoing security operations and troop morale.