The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed the death of over 20 terrorists and the destruction of at least 21 motorcycles during an airstrike carried out on May 31, 2025, in Zamfara State.
However, the operation also resulted in the accidental killing of two local vigilantes and injuries to two others.
The air interdiction mission was conducted under Operation FANSAN YAMMA in response to credible intelligence that a large group of armed bandits was preparing to launch coordinated attacks on nearby communities in Maru Local Government Area.
According to NAF spokesperson Air Vice Marshal Ehimen Ejodame, the strike targeted a terrorist hideout located south of Mai-Galma.
Ejodame stated that the operation was prompted by distress reports indicating the terrorists had already killed farmers and abducted civilians, including women and children.
During the mission, over 30 motorcycles carrying armed fighters were spotted advancing into the forest.
The insurgents opened fire on the NAF aircraft, prompting a precision airstrike that neutralized many of them and destroyed their vehicles.
Ground troops later confirmed the death toll, reporting over 20 terrorists killed. Unfortunately, the Air Force acknowledged that a misidentification during the operation led to the deaths and injuries among local vigilantes.
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The NAF expressed regret over the incident and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting civilians, stating that all operations are carried out in line with international humanitarian law and the Nigerian Air Force Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan.
Ejodame added that efforts are ongoing to rescue abducted villagers taken into the nearby forest.
