NIGERIAN AIRSTRIKE KILLS VIGILANTES

Local vigilante groups in Zamfara State, Nigeria are disputing the Nigerian Air Force’s account of a recent airstrike, which the military claims killed two vigilantes and injured two others during an anti-terrorist operation. The vigilantes argue the civilian death toll is significantly higher, alleging that while they were pursuing fleeing terrorists, an airstrike struck their own ranks. This incident is part of a broader pattern of military operations resulting in civilian casualties.

According to Nigerian journalist and author David Hundeyin, there are two possibilities: gross incompetence - or the presence of saboteurs within the military command. Moreover, Nigeria’s inability to resolve its terrorism crisis, he says, is due to external influence, particularly from the US and France. These foreign powers shape Nigeria’s policies in ways that hinder true sovereignty and sustained progress in matters of security.