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Minna, Niger State – By Prime Brief Media

A military airstrike targeting armed groups in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State struck a civilian settlement in the early hours of Sunday, killing at least 12 people and raising fresh concerns about the civilian toll of aerial operations.

Witnesses told Prime Brief Media that the strike hit Guradnayi, a small settlement near the larger community of Kusasu. The victims, they said, were residents of Kusasu who had fled into the area to escape terrorists operating in the vicinity. The airstrike reportedly occurred around 1:00 a.m. on 11 May.

“We had been running from the bandits, hiding in the bush. Then the planes came and started dropping bombs. Twelve bodies have been recovered so far. There are many injured,” said a community member who identified himself only as Idris. He said the victims included women and children.

A local government official in Shiroro, who asked not to be named because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, confirmed the incident and said the state government was aware. “We are in touch with the military authorities. This is a tragic development, and we are working to verify the full extent of the casualties,” the official said.

The military has not issued a statement on the incident as of press time. A defence media operations officer, contacted by telephone, said he was not aware of the airstrike but promised to look into the report.

Niger State has been one of the worst-affected states in the North-West banditry crisis, with Shiroro, Munya, and Rafi Local Government Areas under near-constant siege by armed groups. Military airstrikes have been a key component of the counter-insurgency strategy, but civilian casualties have periodically been reported, leading to calls for tighter targeting protocols.

Prime Brief Media will continue to track security and rescue efforts across the state as this story develops.

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