Military accident in Nigeria kills at least 16

At least 16 people were killed in a military accident in Nigeria, following an air strike targeting bandits, in what has been observed as a “shocking disregard” for civilians by the Nigerian military.
The BBC reports that the incident took place on 13th January in Nigeria’s northwestern Zamfara State after authorities allegedly mistook the group for criminal militant gangs targeted in the Zurmi and Maradun areas.
Residents later stated that the victims of the air strikes were members of local vigilante groups, as well as some civilians who were defending themselves from gang violence in the region.
Amnesty International Nigeria put the death toll at 20 and called on authorities to “immediately and impartially” investigate the incident. The accident also left several people injured, with some taken to the hospital.
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State governor Dauda Lawal has offered his condolences to the affected community. The military has also acknowledged its culpability in conducting the lethal air strikes, though it went on to clarify that the air strikes were successful in warding off bandits.
The Nigerian Air Force is also investigating the report, viewing the loss of civilian life “with grave concern.”
Following the incident, Amnesty stated that “launching air raids is not a legitimate law enforcement method by anyone’s standard. Such reckless use of deadly force is unlawful, outrageous and lays bare the Nigerian military’s shocking disregard for the lives of those it supposedly exists to protect.”
The news of at least 16 people being killed in a military accident comes at a time of trouble in Nigeria, where security forces have been fighting against violent criminal gangs.
These groups, operating as bandit gangs, reportedly raid and burn villages, and kidnap civilians for ransom money.
A recent accidental airstrike took place on December 25th killing at least 10 civilians in Sokoto state.
In 2023, authorities mistakenly identified civilians attending an Islamic gathering as bandits, resulting in the deaths of at least 85 people. The victims were largely women, children, and the elderly.
BBC