Defence Headquarters refutes reports of civilian casualties in Zamfara operation

Crime Diary

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed circulating reports alleging civilian casualties and unverified casualty figures from the Operation FANSAN YAMMA conducted on 10 May 2026 in Zamfara State.

According to a statement signed by Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, the air‑land strike targeted a confirmed high‑level gathering of terrorist ring leaders at Tumfa Village, Shinkafi Local Government Area. The location was verified through credible, multi‑source human intelligence as a coordination point for planned attacks against communities in the North West region.

The DHQ clarified that the operation was an air interdiction strike, which does not permit immediate ground‑level enumeration of casualties. It stressed that the varying figures currently in circulation, including those attributed to international and local media outlets, are speculative and unverified. The official position remains that “several terrorists were neutralized,” as confirmed by a Battle Damage Assessment conducted after the strike.

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On allegations of civilian casualties, the Defence Headquarters stated that no credible evidence has been established through official assessments or independent verification. The identified target was a confirmed terrorist structure occupied exclusively by armed non‑state actors. The DHQ urged those making such claims, including certain international human rights organisations, to rely on verified evidence rather than unconfirmed social media reports.

The statement emphasized that the Armed Forces of Nigeria operates under strict Rules of Engagement and in full compliance with International Humanitarian Law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution in attack. It reaffirmed that civilians are never targets and that every operational measure is taken to prevent civilian harm.

Ground troops continue clearance operations in the area, while the public has been advised to rely solely on verified information released through official Defence Headquarters channels. Any confirmed incidents of civilian casualties will be communicated appropriately, in line with directives on professionalism and transparency.

The Defence Headquarters concluded by reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and protecting civilian lives, stating: “God bless the Armed Forces of Nigeria. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”