In Nigeria, at least 16 civilians have been killed and many others injured in a military air strike in north-western Zamfara State. It apparently happened after they were mistaken for criminal gangs. According to local media, the victims were members of local vigilante groups and they were returning to their villages after chasing away bandits when they were bombed. The strikes targeted militant gangs in the Zurmi and Maradun areas. The Nigerian Air Force said it was investigating reports of civilian casualties. It also stated that the operation successfully eliminated several bandits and led to the recovery of some kidnap victims.
In recent years, Nigeria’s security forces have been fighting powerful criminal gangs, known as bandits, who have been terrorising north-west and central states. The bandits raid villages, burn homes and kill and abduct residents for ransom.
