Friendly Fire or Fatal Miscalculation? “We Were On Trail Of Terrorists When Nigerian Air Force Jet Bombed Us” — Zamfara Vigilantes

 

Zamfara Vigilantes Bombed by Air Force While Pursuing Terrorists, Death Toll Disputed

A tragic twist unfolded in Zamfara State as members of a local vigilante group found themselves the unintended targets of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) bombing raid. The airstrikes, which were reportedly aimed at neutralizing terrorists who attacked Garin Mani in Maru Local Government Area, struck the vigilantes instead—killing and injuring several of them.

According to accounts from the scene, the vigilantes were in active pursuit of the gunmen who had descended on the community, causing chaos and abducting scores of residents. The bandits, said to have arrived on motorcycles around midday Saturday, opened fire indiscriminately on villagers, killing an unspecified number of residents and abducting over 50 others—many of them farmers caught in their fields.

One vigilante who spoke to BBC Hausa recounted the harrowing moments when they were bombed mid-chase. “We were pursuing the bandits when we saw the fighter jet approaching. It flew very low and started bombing us. Some of us survived by pretending we had been hit. When the jet left, we got up and fled to safety,” he recalled.

NAF has acknowledged the incident, stating that two vigilantes lost their lives and two others sustained injuries during what was described as a "precision engagement." However, the vigilantes on the ground contest that number, claiming the casualties were higher than officially reported.

Eyewitnesses and local residents expressed a mixture of anger, confusion, and grief over what they describe as a tragic miscalculation. One resident, who chose to remain anonymous, lamented the lack of communication between ground operatives and air support. “We understand it was an unfortunate mistake, but the military should acknowledge what happened and reach out to the victims’ families,” he urged.

Calls for government intervention have intensified, with demands for more ground troops to be stationed in the area. Locals fear a possible return of the armed group, which has operated with growing brazenness in remote parts of Zamfara.

Military sources indicated that the operation was prompted by intelligence reports suggesting that a large group of terrorists had gathered south of Mai-Galma, in preparation for a coordinated attack on nearby communities. Given the terrain and urgency of the situation, ground forces requested air support from the Nigerian Air Force under Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, spokesman for the NAF, confirmed the deployment of air assets to neutralize the threat. He stated that more than 21 motorcycles used by the terrorists were destroyed, and over 20 of the assailants were killed. According to him, the operation targeted a convoy of over 30 motorcycles carrying armed terrorists into the forest. “On sighting the aircraft, the terrorists opened fire, prompting a precision engagement,” Ejodame noted.

Following the airstrikes, ground troops were deployed to assess the aftermath. They confirmed the destruction of enemy equipment and verified the elimination of several militants. However, it was during this phase that the loss of the vigilantes came to light.

NAF has since launched an internal investigation into how the vigilante group was caught in the crossfire. “The NAF deeply regrets the loss of these brave vigilantes and remains committed to working with local communities to ensure the safety and security of all citizens,” Ejodame stated. He also emphasized that efforts are underway to locate and rescue the abducted villagers, believed to have been taken into dense forest regions.

The incident underscores the complex and dangerous nature of counter-terror operations in Nigeria’s northern states, where local vigilantes often work alongside formal security forces in combating insurgency and armed banditry. While their role is seen as crucial, coordination between community forces and the military remains a critical concern—especially in environments where rapid-response air missions are involved.

Community leaders and human rights advocates have renewed calls for improved communication channels between local security volunteers and federal forces to avoid future tragedies. As investigations continue, the affected families in Garin Mani and surrounding areas wait anxiously for accountability and assurance that such a costly mistake will not repeat itself.