At least 16 civilians in Nigeria's north-western Zamfara State have been killed in a military air strike, apparently after being mistaken for criminal gangs. Residents told local media the victims were members of local vigilante groups and civilians defending themselves from armed gangs notorious for kidnapping people for ransom.

NAF has launched an investigation into reports that over 16 civilians and vigilantes were accidentally killed during airstrikes in Zamfara last weekend.

A Nigerian military airstrike mistakenly hit civilians in Zamfara state targeting rebels. Community security members were killed, believing them to be fleeing bandits. The incident marks the third misfire in over a year.

The airforce has promised an investigation into the strike in Zamfara state. However, rights groups have criticized this type of investigation for a lack of transparency.

The Nigerian Air Force has launched an investigation into the incident. This is the third such incident reported in over a year in the country

The incident is the second deadly military airstrike to hit civilians in less than a month. On December 25, an airstrike targeting jihadists killed civilians in two villages in neighbouring Sokoto sta