Several civilians were reportedly killed following another military airstrike on Guradnayi settlement near Kusasu in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday morning, May 10, 2026, during an operation targeting heavily armed bandits believed to be moving through communities in the area.
According to local sources, over 500 suspected bandits were sighted in parts of Shiroro after allegedly entering from Zamfara State and Birnin Gwari area of Kaduna State. Their exact mission was unclear, but residents of Kuchi, Chibani, Zagzaga and nearby communities reportedly fled their homes over fears of imminent attacks.
Residents familiar with the situation said the armed groups spent Saturday night in Kusasu before advancing toward Chibani and other communities.
One source disclosed that the Nigerian Air Force responded quickly after receiving intelligence on the movement of the bandits. However, while carrying out the strike around Kusasu, some civilians were reportedly caught in the attack.
“We learnt that the bandits gathered and passed the night in Kusasu before moving towards Chibani and Zagzaga. During the air operation targeting them, some civilians lost their lives, though the exact number has not been confirmed,” the source said.
The source further revealed that several houses in Kusasu were damaged during the bombardment, contributing to civilian casualties.
Another resident who confirmed the development said the bandits moved from village to village on Sunday morning without abducting anyone, adding that many believe the criminals were targeting the thousands of cattle grazing within the affected communities.
Chairman of Munya Local Government Area, Aminu Najume, also confirmed the incursion, saying the attackers entered through Chukun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
According to him, the bandits invaded in three groups through different routes including Igwu-Suka Chire, Katerma and Jeso communities.
“The bandits were more than 500 in number. Following their invasion, many residents have abandoned their homes out of fear, especially as the criminals have already begun rustling cows and other livestock,” he said.
Security personnel have reportedly been deployed to the affected communities to prevent further attacks.
Shiroro Local Government Area has witnessed repeated cases of accidental airstrikes in recent years. In 2022, reports indicated that a Nigerian Air Force fighter jet mistakenly killed six minors in Kurebe village. Months later, another airstrike allegedly claimed eight civilian lives in the same community.
The incidents sparked outrage among residents, although the Nigerian Air Force reportedly disputed the claims surrounding the deaths of the minors.
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