A tragic incident unfolded in Kukoki-Bassa community, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, where a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) airstrike mistakenly targeted a vigilante camp, resulting in the deaths of seven members of the local vigilante group known as DSS Hunters. The strike, which occurred on Thursday, September 10, 2026, also left eight others injured, some with severe wounds.

The vigilante group was reportedly gathered to strategize on how to address the movements of suspected bandits in the area when the bomb was dropped. Eyewitness accounts suggest that three aircraft were seen flying overhead moments before the explosion. Ayuba Umar Kamas, the commander of the DSS Hunters, expressed his disbelief at the incident, highlighting that a convoy of around 250 motorcycles, believed to be carrying bandits, had passed through the same area without being targeted.

Among the deceased, four were from Kukoki, one from Bassa, and three from Matuku. The injured vigilantes were initially transported by motorcycle to receive medical attention at IBB Specialist Hospital in Minna, as the remote location posed challenges for immediate evacuation.

Community sources have indicated that the airstrike may have been based on intelligence regarding terrorist activities in the region, but it appears that the NAF struck the wrong target. The DSS Hunters had been actively monitoring bandit movements and were in communication regarding potential threats at the time of the bombing.

As of now, there has been no official statement from the Nigerian Air Force regarding this tragic incident. The lack of clarity surrounding the military's actions has raised questions about the effectiveness of intelligence operations and the safety of local vigilante groups who are often at the forefront of combating banditry and insecurity in the region.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by both military forces and local communities in addressing the pervasive issue of banditry in Nigeria, where the line between friend and foe can sometimes tragically blur.