16 Residents, Including Vigilantes, Feared Dead in Military Airstrike on Zamfara Community

At least 16 people, including members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guard (ZCPG), vigilantes, and local residents, were reportedly killed in a military airstrike on Tungar Kara community in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The incident occurred during a military operation targeting bandits in the region.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, the victims were mistakenly identified as bandits during the operation. Intelligence sources revealed that the community members had been responding to an incursion by gunmen when the airstrike took place. “The vigilantes were mistaken for bandits, shortly after the bandits had fled the scene,” the report stated, noting that 16 bodies had been recovered so far, though the total number of casualties remains uncertain.

Efforts to obtain comments from Olusola Akinboyewa, Director of Public Relations and Information at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) headquarters, were unsuccessful. However, in a separate statement issued on Sunday, Akinboyewa described the airstrike as part of a well-coordinated operation aimed at dismantling banditry in Zamfara State.

He detailed the efforts of Operation Fansan Yamma, which he said delivered “a crushing blow to banditry.” The operation reportedly targeted bandits loyal to notorious leader Kachallah Bello Turji, resulting in heavy casualties among the group. According to Akinboyewa, real-time intelligence and precision targeting were key to the operation’s success, which included aerial bombardments and ground assaults.

The statement added that the operation freed several kidnapped victims and was met with celebrations from local communities, who expressed relief at the military’s efforts. Despite this, Kachallah Bello Turji’s whereabouts remain unknown, raising questions about the long-term impact of the operation on the region’s security.

The Nigerian Air Force reiterated its commitment to eradicating criminality in collaboration with ground forces. The military’s statement emphasized its goal to restore peace and prosperity to affected areas, even as the Tungar Kara incident casts a shadow over the recent efforts.