’70 bandits killed’: DHQ denies civilian deaths in Niger airstrikes

The Defence Headquarters has denied reports of civilian deaths from airstrikes on suspected bandits in Niger State.

Defence spokesperson Major-General Michael Onoja said drone strikes carried out overnight between May 9 and 10 targeted Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu. and Kuduru in the Shiroro ​area of Niger State after intelligence indicated that bandits were gathering to plan attacks.

Onoja said no fewer than 70 bandits were killed in Kusasu alone, adding that post-strike intelligence showed surviving fighters regrouping, with more ​than 200 ​motorcycles moving toward ⁠nearby Zango village.

“The strikes were precisely targeted at identified terrorist enclaves and achieved ​their intended military objectives,” Onoja said in a statement on Monday, May 11, 2026.

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The defence spokesman disclosed that ​residents ⁠had relocated to another village beforehand, limiting the likelihood of civilian presence.

He didn’t say whether civilians were given warning of strikes.

Onoja added that the military ​has ordered field units to investigate any ​claims of civilian harm.

The denial came ​in response to reports alleging civilian casualties, ​underscoring longstanding concerns about the impact on local communities of airstrikes in the country.