70 Bandits Killed in Niger Airstrikes, DHQ Confirms

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed that airstrikes conducted in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State resulted in the death of 70 bandits. The strikes took place in the early hours of May 9 and 10, 2026, targeting identified locations such as Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu, and Kuduru villages.

Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, stated that the strikes were carefully planned and aimed at known terrorist hideouts. The military maintained that there were no civilians present during the operation, as residents had previously relocated voluntarily due to heightened insecurity.

However, local resident Mr. Kasim Abba claimed that explosions damaged houses in the Guradnayi community during the raid.

The DHQ urged the public and media to avoid circulating unverifiable reports that could create panic and undermine ongoing security operations. Barrister Mauric Magaji, the Niger State Commissioner for Homeland Security, noted that the state government had not received comprehensive details regarding the incident.