How Nigerian Military Airstrike Killed 20 Vigilantes Battling Banditry in Zamfara

ZAMFARA, Nigeria – A military airstrike in Zamfara State has reportedly killed at least 20 vigilante members who had been actively engaged in combating rampant banditry across the region.

TJ News Nigeria gathered that the incident occurred earlier this week in the rural community of Dansadau, located in Maru Local Government Area, a zone notorious for bandit activities. The vigilantes, locally referred to as “Yan Sakai,” were reportedly on a routine patrol when they were mistakenly targeted by a Nigerian Air Force fighter jet.

Vigilantes Mistaken for Bandits

According to local sources and preliminary military communication, the fighter jet was deployed following intelligence reports of suspected armed bandits moving in groups. The Nigerian military has since acknowledged the incident as a case of mistaken identity.

Delta Women Protest Mysterious Disappearance of 26 Children as Insecurity Escalates in Agbarho, Abraka

A senior military source, speaking under anonymity, confirmed to reporters that an investigation is underway. “It was an operational misjudgment based on faulty intelligence. The aircraft identified what it believed to be a gathering of armed bandits. Unfortunately, it turned out to be local security volunteers,” the source said.

Vigilantes Were Actively Combatting Insecurity

The slain vigilantes had reportedly been crucial to recent security improvements in Zamfara’s rural communities. Residents say they had succeeded in repelling attacks, capturing bandits, and providing real-time intelligence to government security forces.

TJ News Nigeria learnt that the vigilantes, many of whom were armed with locally fabricated rifles and hunting weapons, had recently intercepted a gang of kidnappers, freeing over a dozen captives in the weeks leading up to the airstrike.

Community in Mourning, Tension Builds

The killings have triggered outrage and grief in the affected communities. Locals described the airstrike as both “devastating” and “avoidable,” noting that the vigilantes were known in the area and had been operating openly.

“They died as heroes fighting to protect us. These were not criminals, they were our sons, our fathers,” a community leader told TJ News Nigeria.

Funeral rites for the vigilantes were conducted swiftly in accordance with Islamic customs. Visuals from the community showed grieving families and youth groups holding protest vigils while calling for justice and accountability.

Zamfara Government Reacts

The Zamfara State Government, through its Commissioner for Information, condemned the airstrike, describing it as “deeply regrettable.” The government has demanded a transparent investigation and compensation for the families of the deceased.

Governor Dauda Lawal reportedly summoned an emergency meeting with top security officials and traditional leaders in the wake of the incident.

“The state government recognizes and appreciates the role of community vigilantes in the ongoing fight against terrorism and will not tolerate any harm done to its citizens without consequences,” the commissioner said.

Federal Government Promises Investigation

The Nigerian Ministry of Defence issued a brief statement on Thursday, assuring the public of a thorough investigation. “We express our deepest condolences to the families of those affected. The Nigerian Armed Forces remain committed to working with all legitimate security outfits to restore peace and security in the North-West,” the statement read.

Military spokesperson Brigadier General Tukur Gusau stated that such incidents, though unfortunate, are not uncommon in asymmetric warfare environments where non-state actors and civilian defenders often wear similar clothing or operate without formal identification systems.

Calls for Reform and Accountability

Security analysts have described the incident as a glaring example of coordination failure between federal and local security forces. Civil society groups and human rights organizations have since called for:

• Improved communication between local vigilantes and federal forces

• Deployment of identification tools for local security outfits

• Thorough intelligence vetting before airstrikes

• Involvement of community leaders in security briefings

Yusuf Anka, a conflict researcher based in Zamfara, told TJ News Nigeria that this tragedy might lead to a reduction in community trust towards federal forces. “The Yan Sakai have been risking their lives daily. An incident like this could undermine the grassroots defense efforts and embolden the bandits once again,” he warned.

Security Situation Remains Fragile

Zamfara State has long been one of the epicenters of Nigeria’s bandit crisis. Armed gangs, often referred to as bandits, have ravaged rural communities through kidnappings, extortion, and violence. Despite several military operations and government amnesty programs, the threat remains persistent.