No fewer than 16 vigilantes were reportedly killed in an airstrike in Kakindawa village, Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
An indigene of the area, Garba Umar, told The PUNCH that the incident occurred on Saturday evening when the village’s vigilante group was on its way to assist neighbors in Tungar Kara village, who had been attacked by bandits.
NAF spokesman, AVM Olusola Akinboyewa, did not reply to a message from The PUNCH on Sunday seeking his comment on the alleged accidental airstrikes.
He, however, released a statement, stating that troops of Operation Fansan Yamma carried out a coordinated air and ground assault on Fakai Hills in Zamfara State, neutralising scores of bandits loyal to notorious kingpin, Kachallah Bello Turji.
But Zamfara State Governor, Lawal Dauda’s spokesman, Sulaiman Bala, confirmed both the NAF operations and the civilian casualties.
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.”
He, however, expressed regrets that “some members of the Civilian Joint Task Force and local vigilantes were also affected during the operation in Tungar Kara, resulting in the loss of lives.”
“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,” the governor’s aide said.
Umar of Kakindawa village, who told The PUNCH about the accidental bombing, explained that the vigilantes were heading to Tungar Kara around 3:30 p.m, when they fell victims.
He explained that as soon as the NAF aircraft arrived, it dropped a bomb on the vigilantes, despite the fact that the bandits had already left the area.
The bombardment reportedly led to the death of 16 people, including Umar’s son.
He recounted, “The bandits went to Tungar Kara village and attempted to rustle animals and kidnap the inhabitants.
“When we received the information, we mobilised our vigilante group and headed to the village to assist.
“Unfortunately, as the vigilante group was about to reach the village, an aircraft suddenly appeared and dropped a bomb on them, even though the bandits had already escaped into the forest.
“We counted 16 people killed in the bombardment, including my son,” Umar said.
When contacted for comment, the Public Relations Officer of Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt. Col. Abubakar Abdullahi, said he would investigate the matter.
“I will investigate and get back to you,” Abdullahi said.
This Zamfara accidentally bombing comes only weeks after the Christmas Day accidental bombing of civilians in two communities in the Silame Local Government by the Nigerian Air Force.
An airstrike, intended to neutralise Lakurawa terrorists, mistakenly hit Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities, killing at least 10 villagers and leaving several others wounded.
Meanwhile, in a statement on Sunday, NAF spokesperson, Akinboyewa, said troops of Operation Fansan Yamma conducted a coordinated air and ground assault on Fakai Hills in Zamfara State, neutralising scores of bandits loyal to notorious kingpin Kachallah Bello Turji.
The operation, carried out on January 10, 2025, saw airstrikes obliterating enemy hideouts, with synchronised ground troops ensuring no escape for the fleeing bandits.
Akinboyewa said intelligence reports confirmed that the operation inflicted heavy casualties on Turji’s network, leaving several commanders injured while others attempted to flee eastward, only to be met with further military firepower.
He said, “Operation Fansan Yamma has delivered a crushing blow to banditry in Zamfara State, through a devastatingly well-coordinated air-ground assault executed on 10 January 2025.
“Air strikes and synchronised ground assaults at Fakai Hills decimated scores of bandits, leaving many others gravely wounded. This bold operation underscored the unwavering resolve of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to restore peace and security to the region.
“Local intelligence reports confirmed that the bandits, loyal to notorious leader, Kachallah Bello Turji, suffered heavy casualties. Scores of bandits were neutralised, while many others, including some top commanders, sustained varying degrees of injuries. Sequel to the fierce engagement, Kachallah Turji’s whereabouts remain unknown, adding further pressure on his crumbling network.
“The operation was meticulously executed, with real-time coordination from an Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance platform overhead, ensuring accurate target correlation. The identified targets were swiftly engaged using rockets and cannons in multiple passes, delivering devastating blows to the enemy. The aircrew maintained visual and radio contact with the ground troops. The bandits, in a desperate bid to escape, were observed fleeing eastward of the hill, prompting further engagements that successfully neutralized additional targets.”
Akinboyewa also said the operation also resulted in the rescue of several kidnapped victims.
He said, “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. In a heartening outcome, several kidnapped victims were also freed, bringing hope to many families affected by the banditry.
“The Nigerian Air Force has reiterated its unwavering commitment to coordinating with ground forces to eradicate all forms of criminality in the country. Together, we will defeat all enemies militating against the security of our territories and wellbeing of our people, paving the way for the peace and prosperity of our Great Nation.”
Zamfara state government has commended the Nigerian military’s efforts in the renewed onslaught against bandits in Zamfara State.
The government also commiserated with the families of the civilian casualties affected by the airstrike at Tungar Kara in Zurmi LGA.
By Solomon Odeniyi and Maiharaji Altine @ThePUNCH
