Shettima helps families of dead officers as FG deals with Borno airstrike

Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured families of security personnel killed in recent attacks in Kebbi State of continued federal government support, while also backing a controversial Nigerian Air Force strike in Borno that reportedly led to civilian deaths.

Shettima gave the assurance on Tuesday during a condolence visit to Birnin Kebbi, where he represented President Bola Tinubu following the killing of 11 security officers in Shanga Local Government Area.

He described the fallen officers as heroes whose sacrifices would not be forgotten, adding that the government is taking steps to support their families and affected communities.

“Their gallantry will not go in vain,” he said, noting that the president had directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials and assistance to displaced persons.

The visit also coincided with condolences over the death of Kebbi State Assembly Speaker Muhammad Usman Zuru, as well as broader security challenges facing the state.

Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris said the state had already provided financial support to the families of the slain officers and was working with security agencies to stabilise affected areas.

Government defends “intelligence-led” strike despite civilian deaths

Alongside the condolence visit, the federal government moved to justify a recent Nigerian Air Force strike in Jilli, Borno State, which reportedly killed several civilians during an operation targeting insurgents.

Minister of Information Mohammed Idris said the strike was not indiscriminate but based on sustained intelligence and surveillance under Operation Hadin Kai.

According to him, the targeted area had long been identified as a high-risk insurgent zone, allegedly used by groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP for logistics, taxation, and coordination of attacks.

He added that the Borno State government had previously designated the area as unsafe for civilians, reinforcing the military’s assessment.

Obi warns Nigeria is “collapsing” under Tinubu

While expressing regret over civilian casualties, the government maintained that the operation was necessary to disrupt terrorist networks and prevent further attacks.

The incident highlights the ongoing challenge facing Nigeria’s military operations in the northeast, balancing counterterrorism efforts with the protection of civilian lives, especially in areas where insurgents operate within local populations.