DHQ Says Zamfara Airstrike Casualties Still Unverified Amid Civilian Death Claims

Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said casualty figures being circulated after a recent military airstrike in Zamfara State remain unverified, amid growing allegations that civilians were killed during the operation. According to military authorities, the strike targeted suspected terrorist elements gathered in Tumfa Village, located in Shinkafi Local Government Area of the state.

The operation, carried out on May 10 by troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, was described by the military as a coordinated air-land mission based on “credible multi-source intelligence.” DHQ spokesperson, Major General Michael Onoja, stated that intelligence reports identified the area as a coordination hub for armed groups allegedly planning attacks across communities in the North-West.

However, controversy erupted after rights groups and residents alleged that the strike hit a busy market area, leading to heavy civilian casualties. Amnesty International claimed that at least 100 civilians, including women and children, may have died in the bombardment at Tumfa market in Zurmi axis of Zamfara State. Witnesses quoted in international reports alleged that fighter jets hovered over the area before carrying out the strike during peak market activity.

Reacting to the allegations, the DHQ rejected claims that civilians were deliberately targeted and maintained that no independently verified evidence of civilian casualties had been established. The military explained that the operation was an air interdiction mission, making immediate casualty assessment difficult. It further insisted that post-strike battle damage assessment indicated that several terrorists were neutralised during the operation.

The Armed Forces also stressed that all military operations are conducted under established Rules of Engagement and International Humanitarian Law, including principles of distinction and proportionality. DHQ urged members of the public to rely on official military communication channels for verified information, promising that any confirmed civilian casualties would be transparently disclosed in accordance with operational procedures.

The incident has renewed concerns over accidental civilian deaths linked to military air operations in Nigeria’s conflict zones. In recent years, several airstrikes targeting insurgents and bandits have reportedly resulted in civilian casualties, prompting calls for improved intelligence coordination and independent investigations into military operations.