DHQ: Casualties from Zamfara airstrike have not been confirmed

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) refuted reports that civilians were killed in a recent military operation in Zamfara State, stating that the casualty figures being circulated have not been verified.

In a statement issued Tuesday in Abuja, Director of Defence Media Operations Michael Onoja said that Joint Task Force troops operating under Operation Fansan Yamma conducted the operation on Sunday, May 10.

He explained that the strike was aimed at a gathering of terrorist leaders in Tumfa Village, situated in the Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

According to him, intelligence reports indicated that the site was being used to coordinate attacks against nearby communities.

Onoja noted that the nature of the airstrike makes it difficult to determine the number of casualties immediately.

“The casualty figures circulating across media platforms remain speculative, unverified and inconsistent with official military assessments,” he said.

“Our official position remains that several terrorists were neutralised after post-strike battle damage assessment.”

He also rejected claims that civilians were affected, insisting that military findings have not shown any evidence of civilian casualties.

“The target remained a confirmed terrorist structure occupied by armed non-state actors threatening civilian lives,” he said.

“Those making such claims should rely on verified evidence, not social media reports or adversarial sources.”

Onoja added that the Nigerian Armed Forces will continue to adhere to strict operational rules and international humanitarian law during military operations.

“Civilians are never deliberately targeted during operations,” he stressed.

He said troops are still conducting clearance operations in the area and urged the public to rely on official channels for accurate information.

The military spokesman also assured that any confirmed civilian casualty would be disclosed through established military procedures.

He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to professionalism, accountability and the protection of civilians during ongoing operations.