• Operation Fansar Yamma: Gains and Tragedy
• Governor Lawal Condoles Victims’ Families, Urges Vigilance
By Seun Ibukun-Oni,
DAILY COURIER – Tragedy struck in Tungar Kara, Gidan Goga district of Maradun Local Government Area, as a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) airstrike mistakenly killed 16 people, including members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guards (ZCPG) and local vigilantes.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening when vigilantes and residents mobilized to defend their community against armed bandits who had raided and fled the area. According to eyewitnesses, the NAF airstrike, intended to target the fleeing bandits, mistakenly hit the vigilantes and residents instead.
Accidental targeting amid military gains
Confirming the incident, Maharazu Salisu Gado Faru, representing Maradun II Constituency in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, described the airstrike as an unfortunate accident. While the exact death toll remains unverified, community sources report 16 casualties.
This tragic event coincides with the success of Operation Fansar Yamma, a coordinated air-ground assault by the Nigerian Air Force targeting notorious bandit leader Bello Turji and his cohorts in Fakai Hills. The operation, which reportedly neutralized scores of bandits and rescued kidnapped victims, has been lauded as a major step toward restoring peace in the state.
Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, spokesperson for the Nigerian Air Force, highlighted the operation’s success in degrading the operational capacity of bandit groups. However, no official statement has been released addressing the Tungar Kara incident.
Recurring civilian casualties in anti-terror operations
This marks the second accidental airstrike resulting in civilian casualties in recent weeks. On December 25, 2024, a similar incident in Sokoto State claimed the lives of several civilians during a raid intended for jihadists. Previous cases include a December 2023 airstrike in Kaduna State that killed 85 worshippers at a religious gathering and a January 2017 attack on an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Rann, Borno State, which killed 112 civilians.
Governor Lawal mourns losses, commends military efforts
In a statement issued on Sunday, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State expressed condolences to the families of the Tungar Kara victims while commending the military’s renewed commitment to combating banditry.
The governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, clarified that the casualties were members of the local vigilante group mistakenly identified as bandits fleeing from a nearby raid.
"We assure the people of Zamfara that the government remains steadfast in supporting security agencies to sustain their efforts against banditry. The sacrifices of the deceased vigilantes will not go in vain," the statement read.
Governor Lawal also emphasized the state government’s commitment to enhancing intelligence sharing, providing logistical support, and fostering community engagement to achieve lasting peace.
Calls for improved precision in military operations
As Nigerians mourn the loss of civilian lives, there are growing calls for enhanced precision and intelligence in military operations to avoid similar tragedies. Security experts have stressed the need for collaboration between security agencies and local communities to minimize errors and ensure the safety of civilians during counterinsurgency efforts.
With tensions high and communities reeling from repeated tragedies, the spotlight is now on the Nigerian military to strike a delicate balance between aggressive anti-terror operations and the protection of civilian lives.
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