An unconfirmed number of civilians have reportedly been killed following an aerial bombardment on Guradnayi community near Kusasu in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
The military airstrike in Niger State reportedly occurred on Sunday morning during an operation targeting armed bandits believed to have invaded communities in the area.
Bandits Reportedly Invaded Communities
Sources said the bandits, said to be over 500 in number, were spotted moving through several communities after allegedly entering from neighbouring Zamfara State and Birnin Gwari area of Kaduna State.
Residents of Kuchi, Chibani, Zagzaga and surrounding communities in Munya Local Government Area reportedly fled their homes after noticing the movement of the heavily armed men.
The exact destination of the bandits was not immediately known at the time of filing this report.
Civilians Feared Killed During Airstrike
Community sources confirmed that the Nigerian Air Force reportedly launched an operation targeting the bandits after intelligence gathered their movement around Kusasu community.
One source said the bandits had spent Saturday night in Kusasu before moving toward Chibani and Zagzaga communities.
“A swift reaction from the Air Force actually invaded the area and while targeting the bandits in Kusasu on Saturday, some civilians lost their lives but we are yet to ascertain the number of civilians killed,” the source said.
The source further claimed that several houses were affected during the operation, leading to civilian casualties in the community.
The reported Niger State airstrike has since sparked concern among residents already dealing with insecurity and repeated bandit attacks.
Over 500 Bandits Reportedly Spotted
Another resident alleged that the armed men moved from village to village without abducting anyone but were suspected to be targeting cattle in nearby communities.
Chairman of Munya Local Government Area, Aminu Najume, also confirmed the invasion, stating that the bandits entered through Chukun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
“The bandits, from what we saw, were over 500 in number and with this development, many people have relocated from their homes for fear of being attacked,” he said.
He further disclosed that the attackers had already started rustling cows and other livestock in affected communities.
Security Presence Increased in Affected Areas
Sources said security operatives have now been deployed to the affected communities following the incident.
The latest development has also revived conversations around accidental military airstrikes in Shiroro communities, where several civilian deaths have previously been reported during anti-bandit operations.
In 2022, reports claimed that a Nigerian Air Force fighter jet mistakenly killed six minors in Kurebe village, while another military airstrike months later reportedly left eight civilians dead in the same area.