Airstrike in Katsina: Civilian Casualties Reported Amid Targeted Operation on Bandits

Tragedy struck in Shawu village, Ruwan Godiya district, Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State, Northwest Nigeria, following an airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Thursday morning.

Initial reports suggest the strike, intended to target bandits in the area, may have resulted in civilian casualties. An eyewitness claimed the bombing mistakenly hit the community, though officials dispute this narrative.

Local resident Salihu Bamle Bakatsine shared news of the incident on social media, stating:
“Moments ago, the Nigerian Air Force mistakenly bombarded Shawu community. Several people are confirmed dead, and many others are injured. May the Almighty have mercy on the deceased, grant healing to the injured, and bring ease to the community.”

However, Katsina State’s Commissioner for Internal Security, Dr. Nasiru Mu’azu, denied the claims of an accidental strike. “The bomb was deliberately targeted at terrorists, not civilians. The Nigerian military operates professionally, striking only after thorough surveillance and confirmed coordinates,” he said.

Mu’azu emphasized Shawu’s reputation as a hub for bandits, stating that its targeting was justified. Similarly, the Faskari Local Government Council chairman, Musa Ado Faskari, supported the precision of the strike, noting that the community had become a stronghold for criminal activity.

“It’s unfortunate, but most innocent residents had already fled Shawu due to the presence of bandits. The airstrike was necessary to address the growing insecurity,” Faskari said.

While the local council chairman confirmed four deaths, the number of injured remains unclear as investigations continue.