By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
The Defence Headquarters has reacted to a report alleging civilian casualties during a recent aerial interdiction conducted in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, insisting that the strikes specifically targeted armed bandits and terrorist enclaves.
In a statement by Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations said the operation was carried out following credible intelligence indicating gathering of armed bandits in Lukupe Village and surrounding areas within Shiroro LGA.
The statement notes that intelligence and post-strike assessments confirmed the operation successfully eliminated several terrorists, particularly in Kusasu, where about 70 bandits were reportedly killed while those that survived were seen evacuating bodies of their dead colleagues for burial, stressing that more than 200 armed fighters mounted on motorcycles reportedly retreated towards Zango.
The residents of nearby communities had reportedly relocated to Sarkin Pawa before the commencement of the operation, a development the military said contradicts allegations that civilians were present at the locations during the bombardment.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens and conducting operations in line with established rules of engagement and international laws governing armed conflict.
