LAGOS, Nigeria

Many civilians are feared dead and several others have been injured after Nigerian Air Force fighter jets mistakenly bombed two communities during an operation targeting terrorists.

The airstrikes, carried out on Wednesday, affected residents of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities in the Silame local government area of the northwestern Sokoto State.

Local sources told Anadolu that the communities are located near Surame Forest, a known hideout for armed gang known as bandits.

Muhammed Alim, a resident of one of the affected communities, reported that at least 10 people were killed in the airstrike.

Meanwhile, Abubakar Daftarana, chairman of Silame local government area, said efforts were ongoing to assess the full extent of casualties and damage.

Confirming the incident, Olusola Akinboyewa, spokesperson for the Nigerian Air Force, said an investigation would be conducted to determine the actual number of victims.

“The airstrikes were conducted based on credible intelligence from multiple sources, along with confirmatory aerial surveillance. Nevertheless, reports of possible harm to civilians will be thoroughly investigated,” he said.