Zamfara mourns as another airstrike kills vigilantes

NAF Jet

Residents of Zamfara State were again thrown into mourning as an accidental bombing from the airstrikes by men of the Nigerian Air Force killed some vigilantes.

The bombing was confirmed by NAF on Monday, stating that over 20 terrorists were eliminated during an air interdiction mission on May 31, 2025, in Zamfara State.

The success, according to the Force, was, however, overshadowed by the accidental bombing of local vigilantes, resulting in two deaths and injuries to two others.

The incident followed the January 2025 accidental bombing of at least 16 civilians in the state, after being mistaken for criminal gangs.

In a statement on Monday, NAF spokesman, Ehimen Ejodame, said the operation, part of Operation Fansan Yamma, targeted a terrorist enclave south of Mai-Galma in the Maru Local Government Area.

The strike was launched after credible intelligence revealed a large group of bandits was preparing a coordinated assault on nearby communities.

“In a swift response to a distress call, the Nigerian Air Force, on May 31, 2025, successfully neutralised over 20 armed terrorists and destroyed more than 21 motorcycles during an air interdiction operation in Zamfara State.

“Intelligence indicated the bandits had killed farmers and abducted civilians, including women and children,” the statement read.

Ejodame explained that upon arrival, the NAF aircraft spotted over 30 motorcycles carrying armed fighters advancing toward the forest.

“When the terrorists opened fire on the aircraft, a precision airstrike was launched, eliminating scores of terrorists and destroying their vehicles.

“However, ground forces later confirmed that two local vigilantes died and two others were injured in the aerial bombardment. Punch