The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports alleging civilian casualties and unverified death figures following a recent air-land military operation conducted in Zamfara State, describing the circulating claims as misleading and not supported by official assessments.

In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the military clarified that the operation carried out on 10 May 2026 in Tumfa Village, Shinkafi Local Government Area, was a targeted strike under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, aimed at high-level terrorist leaders reportedly planning coordinated attacks in the North West region.

According to the DHQ, the location was identified through credible multi-source intelligence as a coordination point for terrorist activities, stressing that the operation was executed based on verified security information and operational planning.

The military noted that the air interdiction strike, by its nature, does not allow immediate on-ground confirmation of casualty figures, adding that any numbers currently circulating in the media or social platforms are speculative and not reflective of official findings.

It stated that a Battle Damage Assessment conducted after the operation confirmed that several terrorists were neutralised, while emphasising that no credible evidence has been established to support claims of civilian casualties.

The Defence Headquarters also rejected allegations made by some local and international organisations, insisting that the identified target was exclusively occupied by armed non-state actors and posed a direct threat to surrounding communities in the region.

It further stressed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria operate under strict Rules of Engagement and in compliance with International Humanitarian Law, including principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution in the conduct of military operations.

The DHQ reiterated that civilians are never targeted in military actions and that all necessary measures are taken to minimise collateral impact during operations.

Ground troops, according to the statement, are currently conducting follow-up clearance and exploitation operations in the area, while urging the public and media to rely solely on verified updates from official Defence Headquarters channels.

The military assured that any confirmed incidents involving civilian casualties, if established through proper verification, would be communicated transparently in line with its operational accountability standards.

The statement was signed by Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations.