The Defence Headquarters, DHQ, has dismissed reports claiming that civilians were killed during a recent military airstrike in Zamfara State, insisting that the operation only targeted terrorist elements.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said the casualty figures circulating on various platforms had not been verified by the military.
According to the DHQ, the operation was conducted on Sunday, May 10, by troops of the Joint Task Force under Operation Fansan Yamma.
The military explained that the airstrike was directed at a meeting of suspected terrorist leaders in Tumfa Village, located in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
It stated that intelligence reports identified the area as a hideout being used by armed groups to coordinate attacks on surrounding communities, prompting the operation.
Reacting to allegations of civilian deaths, the military maintained that no evidence had so far confirmed that non-combatants were affected during the strike.
The DHQ noted that due to the nature of air operations, it was difficult to immediately establish the exact casualty figures after the strike.
It, however, confirmed that post-strike assessments showed that several terrorists were neutralised during the operation.
The Defence Headquarters further urged Nigerians to disregard unverified reports circulating on social media and rely only on official military channels for credible information on security operations.
According to the military, troops are still carrying out clearance operations in the affected area to ensure the restoration of peace and security.
The DHQ also stressed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria operate in line with international humanitarian laws and do not deliberately target civilians during military operations.
It added that if any civilian casualties are eventually confirmed, the military would officially disclose the information through the appropriate channels.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, accountability and the protection of innocent civilians while tackling insecurity across the country.
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