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Conflicting accounts have emerged following military airstrikes in the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, with the Nigerian army denying civilian casualties while Amnesty International alleges that at least six civilians were killed.
The claims came after the Nigerian Army UAV Command carried out coordinated air interdiction operations between late Saturday and early Sunday, targeting suspected armed bandit hideouts in Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu and Kuduru villages.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said intelligence reports had indicated the convergence of armed bandits at Lukupe Village on May 9, 2026.
“In line with the Armed Forces of Nigeria mandate to conduct operations to rout out all forms of insecurity in the country, intelligence reports indicated the convergence of armed bandits at Lukupe Village in Shiroro LGA,” Onoja said.
“Further reports from local sources confirmed that the aerial interdiction was precise on target.”
Onoja said about 70 bandits were killed in Kusasu village alone, and surviving fighters were seen evacuating bodies from the area for burial.
But Amnesty International released a separate statement condemning what it called the killing of at least six civilians in the same area.
“Early reports from the community indicated that the airstrike struck a residential area around 5:00am during military operations targeting armed groups operating in the area,” Amnesty said.
“Those injured are currently receiving medical treatment.”
The rights group called on Nigerian authorities to promptly carry out an “independent, impartial and transparent investigation” into the incident and make the findings public.
Amnesty said the recurring loss of civilian lives from military airstrikes raises serious concerns about Nigeria’s compliance with international human rights and humanitarian law.
“The recurring loss of civilian lives as a result of military air strikes raises serious concerns about Nigeria’s compliance with its obligations under international human rights and humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution,” the group said.
“Civilians must never be placed at risk during security operations,” Amnesty added.
The Defence Headquarters said operations against armed groups in the area would continue as security forces intensify efforts to curb banditry and restore stability in parts of Niger State.
Nigeria: Authorities must investigate military air strike that killed civilians
Amnesty International condemns the reported killing of at least 6 civilians following a Nigerian military airstrike on Guradnayi community near Kusasu, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State,… pic.twitter.com/Kbi1qeR404
— Amnesty International Nigeria (@AmnestyNigeria) May 10, 2026
