Crime
NAF Probes Alleged Civilian Casualties In Zamfara Airstrike
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has launched an investigation into reports of accidental civilian casualties following an airstrike conducted in Zurmi Local Government Area, Zamfara State, as part of Operation Fansan Yamma.
The operation, targeting bandits in the region, reportedly claimed the lives of 16 residents, including members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guard and local vigilantes.
The incident, which occurred on Friday, has drawn widespread attention.
READ MORE: Los Angeles Wildfires: Death Toll Climbs As Firefighters Battle On
The NAF initially described the operation as successful, claiming it neutralized key associates of notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji and rescued several kidnapped hostages.
However, the Air Force’s initial statement omitted mention of civilian casualties.
In response, Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, confirmed on Sunday that members of the Civilian Joint Task Force and vigilantes were among those killed in the airstrike.
Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, NAF spokesperson, addressed the controversy in a statement issued later on Sunday, reiterating the operation’s success but acknowledging reports of civilian deaths.
“The Nigerian Air Force, in the recent airstrikes at Tungar Kara in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, dealt a decisive blow to bandits terrorising villages in the area,” Akinboyewa said.
“However, while the operation successfully eliminated several bandits and led to the recovery of some kidnapped victims, the NAF views with grave concern reports of the loss of civilian lives in the course of the operation.”
He assured the public that a comprehensive investigation was underway to verify the allegations, emphasizing the military’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
“As a responsible and professional custodian of airpower for the nation’s security, the NAF believes in the absolute value of the life of every Nigerian,” he said.
“Accordingly, a comprehensive investigation is in progress, to ascertain the veracity of the reports, the outcome of which will be duly communicated to inform and reassure the public.”
Akinboyewa further reiterated the NAF’s commitment to safeguarding civilians, combating banditry, and restoring peace in the North West.
“Our mission in the North-West remains to combat banditry and restore peace. The safety and well-being of all Nigerians are of utmost importance,” he said.
Police Rescue Three Kidnap Victims in Taraba After Sustained Pressure
The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed the rescue of three kidnapped victims in Taraba State following sustained pressure mounted by its rescue teams.
The victims were identified as Otuwe Torhumba, 37; Kenneth Nyiutse, 35; and Michael Emmanuel, 27.
The Force made the disclosure on Saturday, October 3, 2026, in its 24-hour operational update covering security operations recorded across the country on October 2.
ALSO READ: 2027: Ogun Police Begins Early Election Security Preparations, Warns Against Political Violence
According to the Police, “Due to sustained pressure by Police rescue teams, three of five kidnapped victims — Otuwe Torhumba (37), Kenneth Nyiutse (35) and Michael Emmanuel (27) — were rescued unharmed and reunited with their families.”
The Police said the three victims were rescued unharmed and subsequently reunited with their families.
The Force did not provide further details on the circumstances surrounding the abduction or the whereabouts of the remaining two victims in the operational summary.
The case is currently being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Jalingo.
The rescue was among several operational successes recorded by the Nigeria Police Force during the reporting period.
The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed the rescue of an 86-year-old man and his son after they were allegedly detained by suspected members of the Axe Men confraternity in Cross River State.
The victims, identified as Dominic Columbus Udoh, 86, and his son, Emmanuel Columbus Udoh, 40, were rescued by Police operatives on Friday, October 2, 2026.
The Police made the disclosure on Saturday, October 3, in its 24-hour operational update detailing security successes recorded across the country.
SEE ALSO: Benue: Police Repel Bandit Ambush, Recover Locally Fabricated Gun
According to the Force, Police operatives were mobilised to the scene after receiving information that suspected Axe Men confraternity cultists had unlawfully detained the two men.
The Police said the suspected cultists fled from the scene when operatives arrived.
The Force stated that officers, with assistance from neighbours, “forced open the locked apartment,” where the two victims were found.
According to the Police, both victims had sustained facial and chest injuries.
They were subsequently rescued and conveyed to the Police Hospital for medical treatment.
The Police said the incident is currently being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Calabar.
The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed that personnel of Operation Zenda Joint Task Force (JTF) repelled an ambush by suspected bandits along the Amaafu-Abaji Road in Benue State.
The incident occurred on Friday, October 2, 2026, during a routine patrol by the security personnel along the road.
The Police made the disclosure on Saturday, in its 24-hour operational update detailing security successes recorded across different states.
SEE MORE: 2027: Ogun Police Begins Early Election Security Preparations, Warns Against Political Violence
According to the Police, “Personnel of Operation Zenda JTF on routine patrol along Amaafu-Abaji Road successfully repelled an ambush by bandits, neutralizing one suspect and recovering his locally fabricated gun.”
The Police added that other members of the group fled into the surrounding bushes following the encounter.
It further stated that “No Police casualty was recorded” during the operation.
The recovered firearm was subsequently taken as part of the evidence from the operation as investigations continue.
The Police said the case has been placed under investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Makurdi.
The Police Force continues to urge members of the public to provide security agencies with timely and useful information that can assist ongoing operations against criminal elements.
IPO: ADF Opens Wealth Creation Pathway for 2m Vulnerable Nigerian Women
2027: Tinubu Will Beat Atiku, Obi by Wide Margin, Says Bwala
‘Dem Dey Use Stick Dey Flog Women’ — Nigerians in India Camp Cry Out
2027: I’ll Bring Petrol Price Down to ₦300, Says Donald Duke
2027: INEC Must Prove Nigerians Wrong on Election Credibility — Donald Duke
‘Military Gets Huge Budgets, Yet Air Crashes Persist’ — Shehu Muhammad
Trump’s Family Unveils New Cryptocurrency Platform
Senate Denies Receiving Petitions Against Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees
Dangote Cement Lights Up Benue Host Communities With CSR Initiatives
Reps Recommend 3-year Jail Term For Aviation minister
Tems Sets New Record On Billboard Hot 100 Chart
