The Nigerian Air Force said it killed over 20 armed militia members in a weekend airstrike in Zamfara state’s northwest region.
According to Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the strike disrupted a major planned attack after intelligence revealed militants were preparing to raid local settlements.
He added that the militants had earlier killed farmers and abducted civilians, including women and children, prompting an urgent military response.
However, residents of Maraya and Wabi villages claimed the strike killed at least 20 local vigilantes rather than bandits.
A local hunter, Abdullahi Ali, told Reuters by phone that a military jet fired on community guards while they were battling the attackers.
Another resident, Auwal Idris, said the bomb fell near defenders during intense clashes with the armed gangs, also known locally as bandits.
Two vigilantes were confirmed dead, and two others injured, the Air Force noted, without addressing claims that more civilians were struck.
Amnesty International condemned the strike, accusing the military of repeatedly launching “reckless” attacks on populated villages.
While acknowledging the need for state response, Amnesty insisted that such operations must not endanger innocent lives.
The Nigerian military has previously admitted to accidental strikes, including one in January that killed 16 people in Tungar Kara, also in Zamfara.
Zamfara remains a hotspot of bandit violence, where communities often rely on local guards and hunters for protection.
The Defence Headquarters has yet to comment on whether a formal investigation into Sunday’s incident will be launched.
