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Nigeria Military Denies Civilian Deaths as Rights Groups Report 100 Killed in Zamfara Market Strike

Disputed tolls are driving calls for an independent inquiry into strikes in markets where fighters mingle with residents.

Overview

  • Amnesty International, which said Tuesday that a Nigerian airstrike hit Tumfa market on Sunday, reported at least 100 civilians killed in Zamfara state.
  • The military confirmed an operation in the area but said there is no verifiable evidence of civilian casualties and called reports of mass deaths not true.
  • Defence Headquarters described separate drone strikes in Shiroro, Niger state, between May 9 and 10 as intelligence-led and said about 70 bandits were killed with no civilian presence.
  • AFP cited community leaders who counted 72 to 117 dead at Tumfa and reported claims that 13 civilians died in a Niger state strike, which the military also denied while saying units would verify.
  • Local hospitals in Zurmi and Shinkafi treated dozens of wounded as rights groups pointed to a pattern that includes an April strike on Jilli market, highlighting how remote markets can draw both civilians and armed groups in Nigeria’s wider conflict.