Military Airstrike In Zamfara Kills 20 Bandits, Five Vigilantes Amid Ongoing Security Operations.
A Nigerian military airstrike targeting bandit hideouts in Maraya and Wabi villages, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, has resulted in the deaths of over 20 bandits, but tragically claimed the lives of five vigilante members due to misidentification, according to reports from The Nation and TheCable. The operation, conducted on 31 May by the Nigerian Air Force, aimed to disrupt criminal activities in the restive North-West region, where banditry has wreaked havoc on communities.
The airstrike, part of the military’s ongoing efforts to curb banditry and kidnapping, was coordinated based on intelligence about bandit camps in the area. The Nation reported that the operation successfully neutralised key bandit leaders, dealing a significant blow to their operations. However, posts on X and a statement from security analyst Zagazola Makama highlighted the unintended casualties, noting that poor intelligence and target verification led to vigilantes being mistaken for bandits, underscoring a recurring challenge in military operations in the region.
The Zamfara State Police Command and local vigilante groups have yet to issue an official statement, but community leaders expressed grief over the loss of the vigilantes, who were supporting security forces in combating the bandits. The incident has sparked debate on X, with some users praising the military’s efforts to tackle banditry, while others criticised the lack of precision, citing a pattern of civilian and vigilante casualties in similar strikes. One user noted that over 400 civilians have been killed in military airstrikes in recent years, though this figure remains unverified.
The Nigerian Air Force, in collaboration with the Defence Headquarters, has promised a thorough investigation to ascertain the circumstances of the misidentification. A military source, speaking to Guardian Nigeria, emphasised the complexity of operations in densely forested areas where bandits often blend with local vigilantes and civilians. “We are committed to minimising collateral damage while intensifying efforts against criminal elements,” the source stated.
Zamfara remains a hotspot for banditry, with frequent attacks on villages, abductions, and cattle rustling disrupting livelihoods. The military’s Operation Hadarin Daji has been deployed to restore peace, but the loss of vigilantes, who play a critical role in local security, has raised concerns about coordination between formal and informal security units. Community leaders have called for improved intelligence-sharing and the use of advanced surveillance to prevent such tragedies.
As investigations continue, the military has urged residents to provide timely information on bandit activities to enhance operational accuracy. The incident underscores the delicate balance between aggressive counter-banditry measures and the need to protect civilians and allied vigilantes in Nigeria’s fight against insecurity.