Nigeria military kills 16 civilians in Zamfara air strike 'mistake'

The villagers were reportedly returning from a mission to chase away armed groups when they were bombed.

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Residents told local media the victims were members of local vigilante groups and civilians defending themselves from armed gangs notorious for kidnapping people for ransom.

The strikes targeted militant gangs in Zurmi and Maradun areas and the state governor, Dauda Lawal, offered his condolences to the community.

The military has acknowledged conducting air strikes, which it said had dealt "a decisive blow to bandits terrorising villages in the area".

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said it was investigating "reports of vigilante losses".

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn0y30766kjo

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