By Gloria Attah
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports alleging civilian casualties during a recent air-land operation carried out by troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in Zamfara State, describing the claims as misleading, speculative, and unverified.
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the military said no credible evidence had confirmed civilian casualties from the operation.
According to the DHQ, allegations being circulated in some quarters, including by certain international human rights organisations, were not backed by verified findings.
“Defence Headquarters wishes to clarify the allegations of civilian casualties as being peddled in some quarters, including by certain international human rights organisations,” the statement read.
“No credible, substantiated evidence of civilian casualties has been established through any official assessment or independent verification.”
The military explained that the operation targeted a confirmed terrorist structure occupied solely by armed non-state actors considered a direct threat to surrounding communities.
Major General Onoja urged those making the allegations to rely on verified evidence instead of unconfirmed social media reports or sources aimed at discrediting legitimate counter-terrorism operations.
The DHQ stated that the operation, conducted by troops of the Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, on May 10, 2026, targeted a high-level meeting of terrorist ring leaders at Tumfa Village in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
According to the statement, the location had been identified through credible multi-source human intelligence as a coordination hub for planned attacks on communities across the North-West.
The military noted that the mission involved an air interdiction strike, making immediate and precise casualty assessments difficult.
It added that casualty figures currently circulating in some local and international media reports remain speculative and do not represent the official position of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“The official position remains that several terrorists were neutralised, as confirmed by a Battle Damage Assessment conducted after the strike,” the DHQ stated.
The Defence Headquarters also reaffirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria operates under strict Rules of Engagement and in line with International Humanitarian Law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution during military operations.
The military stressed that civilians are never deliberately targeted and that measures are always taken to minimise harm to non-combatants.
The DHQ advised the public to rely only on verified information released through official military channels, adding that any confirmed cases involving civilian casualties would be communicated appropriately in line with the directive of the Chief of Defence Staff on professionalism and transparency.
