In a tragic incident, a Nigerian military air strike targeting armed bandits in Zamfara State mistakenly killed 16 civilians, including local vigilantes, on January 12, 2025. The strike, part of ongoing efforts to combat criminal gangs in the northwest, has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the military’s operational protocols and the recurring issue of civilian casualties in counter-insurgency operations.
Details of the Incident
Location and Target
The air strike occurred in Tungar Kara, a village in Zurmi Local Government Area,
where the military was targeting armed bandits notorious for kidnapping
and terrorizing local communities. However, the strike mistakenly hit
members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guard (ZCPG) and local vigilantes who had mobilized to defend their village against bandit attacks.
Civilian Casualties
Residents reported recovering 16 bodies, with several others injured and hospitalized. Some sources placed the death toll at 20, highlighting the severity of the incident.
Military Response
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF)
acknowledged the operation but initially denied reports of civilian
casualties, stating that the strikes were based on verified intelligence
targeting bandits. However, following mounting evidence and public
outcry, the NAF announced a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
Context and Challenges
Recurring Issue of Civilian Casualties
This incident is the latest in a series of accidental air strikes by the Nigerian military. In December 2023, over 80 civilians were killed during a religious gathering in Kaduna State, and in January 2017, a strike in Rann killed 112 displaced persons. These incidents underscore the challenges of distinguishing between combatants and civilians in conflict zones.
Banditry in Northwest Nigeria
The northwest region has been plagued by armed gangs, known locally as bandits,
who engage in kidnapping, cattle rustling, and village raids. The
military has increasingly relied on air strikes to combat these groups,
but the lack of precision has often resulted in civilian harm.
Human Rights Concerns
Rights
groups have criticized the military’s use of air raids, calling them
“reckless” and “unlawful.” They have urged authorities to conduct
impartial investigations and ensure accountability for such incidents.
Government and Military Reactions
Zamfara State Government
The
state government expressed condolences to the victims’ families and
acknowledged the “regrettable” loss of civilian lives. However, it also
described the operation as “successful” in targeting bandits and pledged
to enhance intelligence sharing and community engagement.
Nigerian Air Force
The
NAF emphasized its commitment to minimizing civilian harm and stated
that the investigation’s findings would be made public to ensure
transparency. Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa reiterated that the strikes were based on credible intelligence and dismissed initial reports as potential propaganda.
Conclusion
The tragic air strike in Zamfara highlights the complexities and risks of military operations in conflict zones. While the Nigerian military’s efforts to combat banditry are crucial, the recurring issue of civilian casualties underscores the need for improved intelligence, precision, and accountability. As investigations proceed, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of counter-insurgency operations and the urgent need for measures to protect civilian lives.
