Terrorists, not civilians killed – DHQ reacts to casualty claims in Zamfara operation

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has affirmed that that its post-strike battle damage assessment revealed that several terrorists and not civilians were killed in a recent air-land operation in Zamfara.

DHQ said this while dismissing reports alleging civilian casualties in the air strikes in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, Director, Defence Media Operations on Tuesday.

Onoja said troops of Joint Task Force, North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, conducted the operation on, Sunday, May 10, targeting a high-level meeting of terrorist ring leaders at Tumfa Village, Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara.

He said this followed credible multi-source intelligence confirming the location as a coordination point for planned attacks across communities.

He explained that the air interdiction strike prevented immediate and precise casualty enumeration on the ground.

“The casualty figures circulating across media platforms remain speculative, unverified and inconsistent with official military assessments.

“Our official position remains that several terrorists were neutralised after post-strike battle damage assessment,” he said.

Onoja also rejected allegations of civilian casualties, saying no credible evidence had emerged from official assessments.

“The target remained a confirmed terrorist structure occupied by armed non-state actors threatening civilian lives.

“Those making such claims should rely on verified evidence, not social media reports or adversarial sources,” he said.

He reaffirmed that the Armed Forces operated under strict rules of engagement and international humanitarian law.

“Civilians are never deliberately targeted during operations,” he stressed.

He said ground troops continued clearance operations while the public was urged to follow official communication channels.

Onoja assured that any verified civilian casualty would be transparently communicated under established military protocols.

He reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to professionalism, accountability and civilian protection throughout ongoing operations. (NAN)

OYS/KTO