Zamfara Airstrike: 16 Vigilantes Killed as Military Operation Targets Bandits
By MUHAMMED DAMBABA
Nigerian Air Force Operation Deals Blow to Bandits, But Civilian Casualties Spark Concerns
Tragic Airstrike Claims 16 Lives in Kakindawa Village
At least 16 vigilantes were killed in an airstrike in Kakindawa village, Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State, on Saturday evening. The vigilantes were en route to assist Tungar Kara village, under attack by bandits, when tragedy struck.
Eyewitnesses claim the vigilantes were bombed despite the bandits fleeing the area moments earlier. Among the casualties was the son of Garba Umar, a resident of Kakindawa.
“We mobilized our vigilante group to help, but as we approached the village, a bomb was dropped on us,” Umar recounted.
The blast left devastation in its wake, marking yet another civilian casualty incident in Zamfara State.
NAF Confirms Anti-Banditry Operation but Investigates Casualties
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) confirmed that the airstrikes were part of Operation Fansan Yamma, a coordinated effort against bandits in Zamfara State.
NAF spokesperson AVM Olusola Akinboyewa reported a successful assault on Fakai Hills, a known stronghold of the notorious bandit kingpin Kachallah Bello Turji, resulting in scores of bandits being neutralized. However, Akinboyewa did not comment directly on the civilian casualties in Tungar Kara.
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Abubakar Abdullahi, Public Relations Officer of Operation Fansan Yamma, promised to investigate the accidental bombing.
Zamfara State Government Reacts
Governor Lawal Dauda’s spokesman, Sulaiman Bala, expressed the government’s condolences to the families of the fallen vigilantes.
“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and assure them that the sacrifices of the deceased will not go in vain,” Bala said.
The state government acknowledged the precision of the military operations in degrading bandits’ capabilities but lamented the loss of civilian lives.
Military Success Against Kachallah Bello Turji’s Network
Despite the tragic loss of vigilantes, the operation reportedly inflicted significant damage on Turji’s network. The airstrikes targeted bandit hideouts in Fakai Hills with intelligence-backed precision, forcing Turji’s commanders to flee, some sustaining injuries.
AVM Akinboyewa highlighted:
“This operation underscores our commitment to restoring peace to Zamfara. Bandits suffered heavy casualties, and several kidnapped victims were rescued.”
The airstrikes, combined with ground troop support, have brought relief to local communities, with many expressing gratitude for the military’s efforts.
Recurring Civilian Casualties Raise Concerns
This incident follows a Christmas Day airstrike in Silame Local Government that mistakenly killed 10 civilians. Repeated civilian casualties have sparked calls for improved targeting systems and accountability in anti-banditry operations.
