At least 16 civilians were killed in a Nigerian Air Force airstrike in Zamfara State, mistaken for criminal gangs. The victims were reportedly members of vigilante groups protecting their communities from armed kidnappers. The airstrikes targeted militants in Zurmi and Maradun, and the Nigerian Air Force expressed “grave concern” over the civilian deaths, acknowledging the loss and promising a full investigation.
The strikes were part of efforts to combat criminal gangs known as “bandits,” responsible for kidnappings and violence in the region. While the operation successfully freed some hostages, rights group Amnesty International condemned the air raid as “reckless” and unlawful.
The incident follows several similar airstrike mistakes in recent months, including a Christmas Day attack that killed at least 10 civilians.
