Nigerian Military Air Strike Kills at Least 20 Civilians in Zamfara State
Zamfara State, June 2, 2025 – A Nigerian military air strike mistakenly killed at least 20 civilians in Zamfara State’s Maru district over the weekend, according to multiple residents and local sources. The victims were local vigilantes pursuing a criminal gang of bandits who had recently attacked nearby villages, stealing cattle and kidnapping dozens of people.
Incident Details
The bandits had attacked Mani and Wabi villages, prompting residents from Maraya village and neighboring communities to mobilize and pursue the criminals in an effort to rescue hostages and recover stolen cattle. During this pursuit, a military jet deployed to assist the community mistakenly identified the vigilantes as bandits and bombed them between Maraya and Wabi, killing at least 20 people.
Resident Buhari Dangulbi described the tragedy:
“We were hit by double tragedy on Saturday. Dozens of our people and several cows were taken by bandits, and those who trailed the bandits to rescue them were bombed by a fighter jet. It killed 20 of them.”
Other residents confirmed the toll and expressed deep sorrow over the incident, noting the ongoing challenges of banditry and insecurity in the region.
Background and Context
Bandit gangs have wreaked havoc across Nigeria’s northwest for years, operating in largely ungoverned rural areas. Unlike jihadist insurgents in the northeast, these groups are primarily motivated by economic gains such as cattle rustling, kidnappings for ransom, and armed robbery.
The Nigerian military has conducted numerous air campaigns against bandits and jihadists, but these operations have often resulted in civilian casualties. This air strike marks the third such incident in Zamfara State in recent years.
In January 2025, a similar air strike killed at least 16 civilians in the Zurmi district of Zamfara. In December 2022, over 100 civilians were killed when a military jet bombed Mutunji village while pursuing fleeing bandits.
Official Responses and Calls for Investigation
The Nigerian Army has yet to issue an official comment on the latest air strike. However, Amnesty International Nigeria has called for an immediate and impartial investigation into the incident, emphasizing the need to protect civilians and hold accountable those responsible for such tragic mistakes.
Zamfara State Governor Sulaiman Bala Idris expressed regret over the loss of lives, acknowledging that the military mistakenly targeted vigilantes who were defending their communities.
Humanitarian Impact
The air strike has compounded the suffering of communities already devastated by bandit attacks. Many families mourn lost loved ones, and the kidnapped victims remain in the hands of bandits, with locals fearing they will have to pay ransoms to secure their release. The stolen cattle represent a significant economic loss for the affected farmers.
