Defence Headquarters Dismisses ‘Misleading’ Zamfara Casualty Reports
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
Amid growing scrutiny over military operations in Nigeria’s North-West, the Defence Headquarters has pushed back against what it described as “misleading reports and unverified figures” surrounding a recent joint air-land offensive in Zamfara State.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the military said the operation, carried out by troops of Joint Task Force Operation FANSAN YAMMA on 10 May 2026, targeted a high-level gathering of terrorist commanders at Tumfa Village in Shinkafi Local Government Area.
According to the Defence Headquarters, the strike was based on credible multi-source intelligence linking the location to planned attacks against communities in the region.
The military stressed that casualty figures currently circulating across local and international media platforms remain speculative and do not reflect the official position of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
It maintained that a post-strike Battle Damage Assessment confirmed that several terrorists were neutralised, while dismissing allegations of civilian casualties as unsubstantiated.
The Defence Headquarters also defended the conduct of the operation, insisting that troops operated within established Rules of Engagement and in compliance with International Humanitarian Law.
It added that civilians are never deliberately targeted and assured the public that any verified incident involving civilian harm would be communicated transparently through official channels.
The statement was signed by Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations.
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