Residents of Kurgi community in Niger State were thrown into panic after an aircraft allegedly linked to the Nigerian Air Force struck the area, killing two people and leaving several others maimed or critically injured.
An aircraft allegedly owned by the Nigerian Air Force and operated by members of Operation Fansan Yamma has struck Kurgi community in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State, killing two people and leaving several others seriously injured. SaharaReporters gathered that the incident occurred on Sunday, January 25, 2026, with three victims reportedly losing their arms and legs, while six others sustained severe injuries, triggering widespread panic in the community.
Sources said the airstrike forced many residents to flee their homes to neighbouring communities for safety. Community members told SaharaReporters that the attack affected both Muslims and Christians, alleging indiscriminate targeting of civilians. “What the aircraft does is it goes round the communities and strikes people they see. The aircraft uses both bombs and shooting bullets on innocent persons,” a source said.
One of the victims was reportedly a man sitting in front of a church when the aircraft appeared overhead. “On sighting the aircraft he started running and he was struck with a bullet in the left side of his stomach,” a source told SaharaReporters on Wednesday. Residents said the repeated low-flying of the aircraft and alleged attacks on people on the ground have created fear and disrupted daily life across surrounding communities.