An airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in Tungar Kara, Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State, has reportedly killed at least 16 people, including vigilantes and residents.
The victims, members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guard and residents, were said to have responded to a bandit incursion when the airstrike occurred.
Intelligence sources revealed that the vigilantes were mistaken for bandits after the actual attackers had fled the scene.
“So far, 16 dead bodies have been retrieved, but the total number of casualties is not yet clear,” an intelligence source told Zagazola Makama, a counterinsurgency publication focused on reporting security issues, particularly in the Lake Chad region and northern Nigeria.
NAF authorities have not commented directly on the incident.
However, Olusola Akinboyewa, the Director of Public Relations and Information, stated in a Sunday release that Operation Fansan Yamma had delivered a “crushing blow to banditry in Zamfara” on 10 January.
“The operation was meticulously executed, with real-time coordination from an Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance platform overhead, ensuring accurate target correlation,” Akinboyewa stated.
“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.”
He confirmed that scores of bandits loyal to notorious leader Kachallah Bello Turji were killed, with several kidnapped victims rescued.
The statement added: “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.”
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