The Defence Headquarters has denied reports alleging civilian casualties during recent military airstrikes in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, insisting that the operation targeted armed bandits and successfully neutralised dozens of fighters.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, said the operation followed intelligence reports indicating that armed bandits had converged at Lukupe Village in Shiroro on May 9, 2026.

According to the military, the Nigerian Army UAV Command carried out coordinated air interdiction strikes between 11:59 p.m. on May 10 and 6 a.m., targeting suspected bandit enclaves in Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu and Kuduru villages.

Onoja stated that intelligence obtained from local sources confirmed the strikes were “precise on target” in Kusasu, Katerma and Bokko villages, rejecting claims that civilians were affected during the bombardment.

The military disclosed that about 70 bandits were killed in Kusasu village alone, while surviving fighters were reportedly seen evacuating bodies from the area for burial.

“In line with the Armed Forces of Nigeria mandate to conduct operations to rout out all forms of insecurity in the country, intelligence reports indicated the convergence of armed bandits at Lukupe Village in Shiroro LGA,” the statement said.

The Defence Headquarters further revealed that over 200 armed bandits riding motorcycles were later observed moving towards Zango, while another group from Bokko was reportedly advancing in the same direction in an attempt to regroup for possible attacks on Sarkin Pawa, Kuchi and security formations in the area.

The military said operations against armed groups in Shiroro and surrounding communities would continue as security agencies intensify efforts to combat banditry and restore stability across parts of Niger State.