Nigerian Air Force Airstrike Kills Vigilantes in Zamfara During Anti-Bandit Operation On May 31, 2025, a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) jet, part of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, mistakenly bombed local vigilantes in Garin Mani, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, killing at least two and injuring two others, while they pursued bandits who had killed 20 farmers and abducted over 50 residents. The bandit attack occurred around noon, with assailants on motorcycles firing indiscriminately. Vigilantes chased the fleeing bandits, but an NAF jet, targeting the attackers, misidentified them, leading to the tragic airstrike. A vigilante told BBC Hausa they survived by pretending to be hit, while a resident called for better military communication. NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame confirmed the operation neutralized over 20 bandits but regretted the vigilante casualties, noting an ongoing investigation. The incident, reported on June 2, 2025, adds to a pattern of erroneous airstrikes, raising concerns over military coordination and target accuracy. #softnigeria