The Maru Local Government Area (LGA) in Zamfara State has been the scene of multiple grave security incidents over a recent weekend, highlighting the intense challenges in the region. These events involved both bandit attacks and complex military operations, which unfortunately included vigilante casualties in separate circumstances.

On Saturday, the Nigerian army conducted a coordinated air strike targeting bandits in Maraya and Wabi villages, also within Maru LGA. This operation, followed by a ground exploitation mission by troops of Operation Fansan Yanma on June 1, was reported by the counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama. The mission confirmed the neutralization of over 20 bandits and the destruction of their motorcycles and other equipment. However, this operation also resulted in tragedy, as five vigilante members were killed and two others were injured. According to the report, these casualties occurred because the vigilantes failed to comply with orders to withdraw from the outskirts of the village before the air strike. The leader of the vigilante group reportedly took full responsibility, admitting that some members disregarded these instructions while pursuing fleeing bandits.

The violence continued into Sunday, when, according to security analyst Bakatsine posting on Monday, bandits launched a deadly attack on the Mani community in Maru LGA. This assault resulted in the deaths of more than 20 farmers and the kidnapping of over 50 villagers. Bakatsine's report further revealed a distressing development during this Sunday attack: a military aircraft, which he stated was deployed for protection, 'mistakenly fired on vigilantes,' leading to additional casualties among the local security volunteers.

As of the time of these reports, the Zamfara State Government and relevant security agencies had not yet released an official statement concerning the bandit attack on Mani community and the subsequent incident involving the military aircraft and vigilantes there. The series of events underscores the volatile security situation in Zamfara. Such unintended outcomes in security operations are a recurring concern, as exemplified by a separate incident in February where a Nigerian Air Force air strike targeting armed gangs in Katsina State reportedly led to the deaths of six family members.