At least 16 vigilantes lost their lives in an airstrike carried out by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in Kakindawa village, Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The incident occurred on Saturday evening as the vigilantes were en route to aid neighbors in Tungar Kara village, recently attacked by bandits.
According to an eyewitness and indigene, Garba Umar, the vigilantes were mistaken for the fleeing bandits when the NAF aircraft dropped a bomb. Umar, who lost his son in the incident, recounted that the bandits had already escaped into the forest before the airstrike hit the vigilantes.
The Zamfara State Government has confirmed the civilian casualties while commending the broader military efforts. Sulaiman Bala, spokesperson for Governor Lawal Dauda, expressed sorrow over the tragic loss of life, stating:
“We pray to Almighty Allah to grant them Jannah. The state government extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen JTF personnel and assures them that their sacrifices will not go in vain.”
NAF’s Renewed Assault on Banditry
The airstrike was part of Operation Fansan Yamma, a coordinated military effort aimed at neutralizing bandits in Zamfara State. AVM Olusola Akinboyewa, NAF spokesperson, stated that the operation targeted Fakai Hills, a notorious hideout for bandits loyal to kingpin Kachallah Bello Turji. The offensive reportedly decimated the gang’s operational capacity, leaving scores of bandits dead and several commanders injured.
Akinboyewa emphasized that real-time intelligence ensured precision targeting, with both airstrikes and ground troops working in coordination to prevent the escape of fleeing bandits. The operation also freed several kidnapped victims and was met with widespread relief among locals.
Despite the success, the accidental bombing of vigilantes has sparked concerns about the need for improved communication and coordination to avoid such tragedies in the future. The incident also follows a similar mishap on Christmas Day, where an airstrike in Silame Local Government killed 10 civilians.
Government’s Assurance
The Zamfara State Government reiterated its support for the military’s efforts while pledging to assist the bereaved families. The incident underscores the complexity of combating banditry in regions where civilians and local vigilante groups often play active roles in security operations.
This tragic episode calls for enhanced operational protocols to ensure the safety of civilians and allied groups during military operations.
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