Again, DHQ denies civilian casualties in Zamfara airstrikes

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports alleging civilian casualties after a recent air-land operation in Zamfara State, describing circulating casualty figures as unverified.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, made this known via a statement issued on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

Onoja said troops of Joint Task Force, North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, conducted the operation on Sunday, May 10.

Onoja said the strike targeted a high-level meeting of terrorist ring leaders at Tumfa Village, Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

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He noted that credible multi-source intelligence confirmed the location as a coordination point for planned attacks across communities.

The defence spokesman explained that the air interdiction strike prevented immediate and precise casualty enumeration on the ground.

Onoja stated: “The casualty figures circulating across media platforms remain speculative, unverified and inconsistent with official military assessments.

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

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

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

He reaffirmed that the Armed Forces operated under strict rules of engagement and international humanitarian law.

“Civilians are never deliberately targeted during operations,” the defence spokesman stressed.

Onoja assured that any verified civilian casualty would be transparently communicated under established military protocols.

He reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to professionalism, accountability, and civilian protection throughout ongoing operations.