The vigilantes asserted that some of their members were among those killed in the NAF airstrikes during the attack on Saturday. 

Members of the local vigilantes in Zamfara have narrated how the Nigerian Air Force jets bombed them while they were chasing terrorists that attacked Garin Mani, a village in the Maru Local Government Area.

The vigilantes asserted that some of their members were among those killed in the NAF airstrikes during the attack on Saturday. 

While the Nigerian Air Force confirmed that two local vigilantes lost their lives when troops from Operation Fasan Yamma thwarted the attack, the vigilantes maintained their stance, saying the numbers were more than that.

It was gathered that the air assets were deployed to Garin Mani, a village in Maru Local Government Area on Saturday, following an attack carried out by the bandits.

The attack, according to locals, left several residents dead and over 50 others abducted, mostly farmers working on their fields.

Eyewitnesses said the assailants arrived on motorcycles around noon, opening fire indiscriminately and causing widespread panic.

A vigilante who spoke to BBC Hausa said his colleagues were mobilised and gave chase to the fleeing terrorists.

He said: “We were pursuing the bandits when we saw the fighter jet approaching. It flew very low and started bombing us. Some of us survived by pretending we had been hit. When the jet left, we got up and fled to safety.”

A resident, speaking anonymously, claimed that the military misfired and expressed disappointment over the military's lack of communication.

“We understand it was an unfortunate mistake, but the military should acknowledge what happened and reach out to the victims’ families,” he said.

He also called on the government to send additional troops to the area, as the bandits had threatened to return.

Sources revealed that, because of the challenging terrain where the bandits carried out the attack, the ground troops alerted their counterparts in the Air Force to address the threat.

Confirming the operation, the spokesman of the NAF, Ehimen Ejodame, told journalists in Abuja that the force destroyed more than 21 motorcycles that were used by the bandits for the attack during its air interdiction.

“The operation, carried out in the general area south of Mai-Galma in Maru Local Government Area, was aimed at halting a planned large-scale attack on vulnerable communities by bandits.

“Intelligence received indicated that a significant number of terrorists were massing and preparing to strike unsuspecting settlements,” Ejodame, an Air Commodore explained.

According to him, further intelligence confirmed that the bandits had killed some farmers and abducted a number of civilians, including women and children.

He added, “Consequently, NAF aircraft under Operation FANSAN YAMMA was immediately dispatched on armed reconnaissance and possible rescue mission.

“On arrival at the area, over 30 motorcycles carrying armed terrorists heading into the nearby forest were positively identified.

“On sighting the aircraft, the terrorists opened fire, prompting a precision engagement that led to the destruction of several motorcycles and the neutralisation of dozens of terrorists.

“Ground forces were immediately mobilised to exploit the situation. They confirmed the destruction of enemy assets and the neutralisation of over 20 terrorists.”

Speaking further, Ejodame said the NAF authorities had commenced investigations regarding how the vigilantes paid the supreme price during the operation, urging the general public to remain calm.

He said, “Unfortunately, in the course of the operation, 2 local vigilantes lost their lives and 2 others sustained injuries in the crossfire. 

“The NAF deeply regrets the loss of these brave vigilantes and remains committed to working with local communities to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.

“Efforts are ongoing to track and rescue the kidnapped villagers who were taken into the adjoining forest.”