The Nigerian troops have reportedly killed over 20 bandits in coordinated air strikes around Maraya and Wabi villages of Maru local government area of Zamfara state.

The operation was carried out Saturday and five vigilante members also lost their lives due to failure to comply with withdrawal orders during the operations.

Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, said the air strike was followed by a ground exploitation mission on June 1 by troops of Operation Fansan Yanma.

He said the mission confirmed the killing of over 20 bandits and the destruction of several motorcycles and other equipment belonging to terrorists.

“Unfortunately, five vigilante members were killed, while two others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment in the hospital,” the publication said.

According to the report, the leader of the vigilante group has taken “full responsibility” for the casualties, admitting that some members disregarded instructions to withdraw from the outskirts of the village before the air strikes.

The vigilante leader further admitted that despite being notified of the air operation, some of the vigilante youth insisted on tracing the fleeing terrorists when the aircraft struck.