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ABUJA, Nigeria, Jan. 13, 2025 — A Nigerian military airstrike targeting armed groups in Zamfara state’s violence-stricken northwest has mistakenly killed several civilians, including members of local security outfits, according to officials and residents.

This incident marks the third misfire by the military during aerial operations in just over a year.

Civilian Casualties in Targeted Strike

The airstrike, aimed at rebel fighters in the Zurmi and Maradun areas, accidentally killed members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local vigilantes in Tungar Kara, said Sulaiman Bala Idris, spokesman for Zamfara state’s governor.

“Regrettably, some members of the Civilian Joint Task Force and local vigilantes were also affected during the operation, resulting in the loss of lives,” Idris said in a statement on Sunday, adding that they had been “mistakenly identified as bandits fleeing” from the region.

While officials have not disclosed the number of casualties, residents reported counting up to 20 bodies, with 10 others receiving treatment for injuries, according to Salisu Maradun, a local witness.

Mixed Messaging from Authorities

Despite the accidental civilian deaths, the Zamfara government described the operation as “successful,” stating it had effectively targeted bandits in a “renewed onslaught” against criminal groups.

“We will continue to offer support to enhance intelligence sharing, provide logistics, and strengthen community engagement,” the governor’s office said, emphasizing its commitment to combating the region's escalating violence.

A History of Deadly Misfires

The Nigerian military’s aerial bombardments, part of its counterinsurgency strategy, have been marred by incidents of collateral damage. Since 2017, airstrikes have reportedly killed at least 400 civilians, according to SBM Intelligence, a Lagos-based research organization.

Notable incidents include an airstrike in December 2023 that mistakenly killed more than 80 civilians attending a religious gathering in Kaduna state. In May 2024, two military personnel faced court martial over another misfire, but the findings of the investigation were never made public, a pattern criticized by human rights groups for its lack of transparency.

Humanitarian and Security Implications

The latest airstrike underscores the difficulties Nigeria’s military faces in distinguishing between combatants and civilians in a region plagued by banditry, insurgency, and community insecurity.

Local vigilantes and CJTF members, who often work alongside government forces to protect communities, play a crucial role in the fight against armed groups. Mistakes like the Tungar Kara airstrike risk eroding trust between communities and the military, complicating the already fraught counterinsurgency efforts.

Calls for Transparency and Accountability

Rights groups have long called for greater transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s military operations. “Repeated incidents of civilian deaths show a troubling pattern of negligence or inadequate intelligence in air operations,” said a representative of Amnesty International Nigeria. “The government must ensure thorough investigations and publish findings to restore public confidence in its security efforts.”

The Road Ahead

As Nigeria grapples with growing instability in its northern regions, military misfires like the Tungar Kara strike highlight the urgent need for better intelligence and operational precision. While the government pledges continued efforts to combat violence, addressing civilian casualties and rebuilding trust will be critical to achieving long-term stability in the region.