ABUJA, Nigeria – The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has issued a strong disclaimer regarding reports of civilian casualties following a major military operation in Zamfara State, labeling the circulating figures as “speculative and unverified.”
Okay News reports that the statement, signed by Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, on Tuesday, addressed the May 10 air-land interdiction conducted by Operation FANSAN YAMMA in Tumfa Village, Shinkafi Local Government Area. The DHQ clarified that the operation targeted a verified coordination point where high-level terrorist ringleaders were planning attacks against communities in the North West.
The military explained that because the strike was an air interdiction, an immediate ground-level casualty count was impossible. While confirming that “several terrorists were neutralized” based on a Battle Damage Assessment, the DHQ dismissed reports from local and international media—as well as human rights organizations—alleging civilian deaths. The military maintained that the target was a confirmed terrorist structure occupied exclusively by armed non-state actors.
Reaffirming its commitment to International Humanitarian Law and strict Rules of Engagement, the DHQ urged the public and international observers to rely on official channels rather than “adversarial sources” or unconfirmed social media reports. Ground troops are currently conducting exploitation and clearance operations in the area, with the DHQ promising transparency should any credible evidence of civilian harm emerge during the ongoing assessment.
