Unfortunate incident in Tudun Biri: 85 civilians die in Nigerian army's drone attack mishap
In an unfortunate turn of events, the Nigerian army's drone attack in the northeastern village of Tudun Biri resulted in at least 85 civilian casualties on Sunday. The disaster management authority announced the grim discovery on Facebook, and a military spokesperson confirmed the news on Tuesday. Initial military statements indicated they were targeting militias, but the villagers had reported 85 dead, many of whom were women and children.
Combating banditry in Nigeria
Nigeria's military is undertaking air strikes against various armed groups known as bandit militias in the north-west and north-east regions of the country. The militias primarily operate in north-western Nigeria and have forest hideouts. Their activities include village attacks, looting, and kidnapping for ransom.
The jihadist terror group, active in north-eastern Nigeria, had previously seized large areas but was subsequently pushed back. Since 2009, the conflict has claimed more than 40,000 lives and displaced over 2 million people.
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Nigeria's military has been battling banditry via airstrikes in the country's north-west and north-east regions. In a tragic incident, an airstrike on Sunday in Tudun Biri resulted in the deaths of at least 85 civilians. The military later acknowledged that the attack had accidentally hit the village during an operation against bandits.
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Nigerian military's air strikes, targeting bandit militias, have unfortunately resulted in multiple tragic incidents with civilian casualties. Here are the specific details:
- Recent Incident: On February 17, 2025, an airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force in Sulul Lore, Katsina State, reportedly killed at least six civilians from the Zakka villagers, according to Amnesty International.
- Previous Incidents:
- In January 2025, an airstrike in Zamfara State killed at least 16 people, mistaking local vigilantes for criminal gangs.
- In December 2023, an airstrike in Sokoto State resulted in ten deaths and six injuries, aiming at Lakurawa jihadists.
- In December 2023, a drone strike in Kaduna State resulted in the deaths of over 120 civilians and 66 injuries, targeting a religious gathering.
- In January 2017, an airstrike in Rann, Borno State, led to at least 112 civilian deaths, targeting a camp for displaced individuals.
Actions taken: - Investigations: The Nigerian Air Force commissioned inquiries to confirm the casualties and determine the circumstances of the strikes. - Human Rights Calls: Amnesty International urged for an impartial, transparent, and prompt investigation to ensure accountability for human rights violations. - Security Operations: Military operations against bandit militias continue, as recently demonstrated by the destruction of a bandit hideout in Sakkarawa Forest, Sabon Birni, resulting in several bandits' deaths.
These measures underscore the military's ongoing commitment to clamping down on banditry, yet highlight an increasing concern over civilian casualties and the importance of thorough investigations and accountability to minimize future incidents.
