Military Says 70 Terrorists Killed in Niger Airstrikes, Denies Civilian Casualties

By Victor Idajili

The Defence Headquarters says about 70 terrorists were killed in early Sunday airstrikes in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, and insists no civilians were harmed.  

The strikes targeted Guradnayi community near Kusasu around 5 a.m. on May 10, 2026. Guradnayi has faced repeated attacks from armed groups in recent months.  

While some locals claimed civilians were affected, the military pushed back on that account.  

Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, said the operation was “meticulously planned and executed based on credible, actionable intelligence” showing terrorists had gathered in Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu, and Kuduru villages.  

“Contrary to what’s being circulated, the strikes hit identified terrorist enclaves and achieved their objectives,” Onoja said. “About 70 armed bandits were neutralized in Kusasu alone. These were groups tracked and confirmed to be planning attacks on civilian communities and military assets.”  

According to the Defence Headquarters, Nigerian Army UAVs carried out multiple strikes between 11:59 p.m. Saturday and 6 a.m. Sunday. Reports from local sources said the bombing was precise in Kusasu, Katerma, and Bokko.  

The military added that it observed surviving fighters gathering bodies for burial in Kusasu, while others on about 200 motorcycles moved toward Zango. Another group from Bokko was seen heading in the same direction, possibly to regroup or target Sarkin Pawa and Kuchi. A third group was spotted converging on Kopa, east of Mongoro, in what the military said looked like preparations to attack government and security infrastructure in Mongoro.  

“All these threats were neutralized in a timely manner,” Onoja said.  

The Defence Headquarters said it remains committed to protecting civilians and follows the rules of engagement in all operations. It urged the media and public to avoid spreading unverified claims that could embolden criminals, lower troop morale, or weaken public trust in ongoing security efforts.