The Defence Headquarters has reacted to reports alleging that civilians lost their lives during a recent military airstrike in Zamfara State.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that the military said the casualty figures being circulated have not been confirmed by the military.
This was made known on Tuesday through the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, through a statement released in Abuja.
According to the Defence Headquarters, the operation was carried out on Sunday, May 10, by troops of the Joint Task Force operating under Operation Fansan Yamma.
The military said the airstrike targeted a gathering of suspected terrorist leaders in Tumfa Village, located in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The military explained that intelligence reports showed the area was being used by armed groups to plan attacks against nearby communities. It added that the strike was launched based on information gathered before the operation.
Reacting to reports of civilian casualties, the Defence Headquarters said the figures currently being shared across different platforms could not be verified. The military stated that because the operation involved an airstrike, it was not possible to immediately determine the exact number of casualties.
The DHQ maintained that its post-strike assessment only confirmed that several terrorists were killed during the operation. It also said there was no evidence at the moment showing that civilians were affected.
The military further stated that the location targeted during the operation was identified as a terrorist hideout occupied by armed criminal groups threatening the safety of residents in the area.
The Defence Headquarters advised members of the public against relying on unverified information circulating on social media and other unofficial channels. It urged Nigerians to depend on official military updates for accurate details concerning security operations.
The military also stated that troops are still carrying out clearance operations in the affected area as part of efforts to restore security.
Speaking on the conduct of military operations, the DHQ said the Nigerian Armed Forces continue to operate within established rules and international humanitarian laws. It added that civilians are not deliberately targeted during operations.
The military assured Nigerians that if any civilian casualty is later confirmed, the information would be made public through the proper military process.
The Defence Headquarters also restated its commitment to professionalism, accountability and the protection of innocent civilians during ongoing security operations across the country.