The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has denied reports alleging that civilians were killed during a recent military operation in Zamfara State, describing casualty figures circulating in the media as unverified and speculative.
In a statement released on Tuesday night in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said troops of the Joint Task Force under Operation Fansan Yamma carried out the operation on Sunday, May 10, targeting what he described as a gathering of terrorist leaders in Tumfa Village, located in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
According to Onoja, intelligence reports identified the location as a terrorist meeting point allegedly being used to coordinate attacks against surrounding communities.
He explained that due to the nature of airstrike operations, it was difficult to immediately determine the exact number of casualties.
“The casualty figures circulating across media platforms remain speculative, unverified and inconsistent with official military assessments,” Onoja stated.
He maintained that preliminary post-strike battle damage assessments indicated that several terrorists were neutralised during the operation.
The military spokesperson also dismissed claims that civilians were affected, insisting that findings from the operation had not revealed 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 stressed that the Nigerian Armed Forces remained committed to adhering to strict operational procedures and international humanitarian laws during military engagements.
“Civilians are never deliberately targeted during operations,” he added.
He disclosed that troops were still conducting clearance operations in the affected area and urged the public to rely on official communication channels for accurate information.
The DHQ further assured that if any civilian casualties are eventually confirmed, such details would be officially disclosed through established military procedures.
Onoja reaffirmed the military’s commitment to professionalism, accountability, and the protection of civilians in ongoing counterterrorism operations.
