Two Killed, Several Injured in Suspected Nigerian Air Force Helicopter Attack

A sudden aerial assault left two residents dead and several injured after a suspected Nigerian Air Force helicopter opened fire on civilians in a rural community. Eyewitnesses said the aircraft hovered over the settlement before gunfire erupted, striking innocent men, women, and children who had no warning. The alarming violence shattered peace in the village and triggered urgent calls for answers.

On January 25, 2026 in Kurgi community, Mariga Local Government Area, Niger State, North-Central Nigeria, residents were going about their daily lives when the unexpected attack unfolded. Reports indicate a helicopter believed to belong to the Nigerian Air Force flew low above the village and then fired upon those below. The assault caused panic, with locals fleeing to nearby towns for safety.

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Eyewitness Accounts: What Locals Saw

Witnesses in Kurgi described the scene in vivid detail. According to multiple residents, the craft hovered, then shots were fired at people who had no association with any armed groups. They said the gunfire struck homes and open spaces where civilians had gathered. Many were caught off guard. 1

One villager, Sulaiman Sanusi, called the incident “shocking and unprovoked.” He added that none of the people targeted had displayed any hostile activity. Women and children were among the injured. Some victims sustained serious wound, while others suffered minor cuts and bruises.

After the shots rang out, survivors scattered in fear. Some ran into farms and bushland. Others headed toward the nearby town of Bangi in search of help. Emergency responders struggled to arrive quickly because many feared another strike.

Two Killed, Several Injured: Immediate Aftermath

The toll was grim. Two people died instantly. Several others, including non-combatants, were wounded as bullets rained down. The wounded were taken to local clinics and makeshift first-aid spots, while others were transported to larger medical centres for more advanced care. But the fear remained high.

No official casualty list has been released, and the final tally may rise as more injured residents are identified. Families mourned loved ones, and the community grappled with shock and disbelief at what had happened. The absence of early official information only added to uncertainty and dread.

Unlike regular military engagements aimed at armed criminals, this attack hit ordinary villagers during a quiet afternoon. There were no reported hostilities before the helicopter appeared, further unsettling residents.

Suspected Nigerian Air Force Helicopter: What We Know

Eyewitnesses said the aircraft was a helicopter, and it is widely believed to be operated by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). Although official confirmation has not been provided, residents pointed to its appearance and flight behaviour as evidence.

Security forces often use helicopters for surveillance and air support in conflict zones across Nigeria. In the past, air assets have played roles in counter-insurgency, anti-banditry, and anti-kidnapping missions. But the use of such assets in civilian areas raises questions about targeting accuracy and civilian risk.

So far, the Nigerian Air Force has not issued a public statement about this particular incident. Neither the Ministry of Defence nor army spokespersons have commented. This silence has intensified speculation and concern among locals and observers.

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Historical Context: Air Force Operations and Civilian Risk

Nigeria’s security forces have increasingly used air power in their fight against armed groups. In 2025 alone, the Nigerian Air Force conducted several aerial operations against bandits and terrorists in different states. For example, in June 2025, NAF reported air strikes in Niger State that killed terrorists and destroyed their hideouts.

However, such operations have sometimes tragically affected civilians. In other incidents, military air raids reportedly killed non-combatants by mistake, prompting calls from rights groups for investigations and reforms.

According to a research report, between 2017 and 2023, hundreds of civilians died in accidental military strikes in Nigeria. These events underscore the dangers inherent in aerial engagements within populated regions when intelligence is imperfect.

Why Helicopters Are Used in Security Operations

Helicopters provide rapid response and mobility in areas where ground forces face logistical challenges. They help transport troops, conduct reconnaissance, and provide aerial support in operations against armed gangs and insurgent factions. The Nigerian Air Force has been modernising its fleet to meet evolving security threats.

For example, in late 2025, Nigeria’s Defence Minister visited aircraft production facilities abroad to oversee the development of new helicopters and fighter jets set for delivery. This reflects a broader effort to bolster air power and operational reach.

Despite these upgrades, the use of airborne assets in conflict zones remains contentious when civilian lives are at stake. Observers argue that better coordination, stricter targeting protocols, and clearer communication channels are essential.

Reactions from Human Rights and Civil Society Groups

Human rights organisations usually react strongly to incidents where civilians are caught in military operations. In past airstrike cases, groups such as Amnesty International have condemned the lack of transparency and demanded accountability and investigations. 16

Local community leaders in Kurgi have echoed these concerns. They want a clear breakdown of what happened, why it happened, and who authorised the attack. They also want assurances that such an event will not recur. Advocates say that without openness from authorities, mistrust will grow.

Some experts argue that civil society must be part of any future security planning process. This inclusion would help bridge gaps between villagers and security agencies to avoid tragic misunderstandings.

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Security Challenges in Niger State and the Region

Niger State and its neighbouring regions have long faced insecurity challenges, including banditry, kidnappings, and cross-border attacks. Armed groups often ambush villagers, steal livestock, and take hostages, creating an environment where fear and instability are common.

The government and military have responded with various strategies, including air surveillance and interdiction missions. But the complexity of the terrain and the intermingling of armed groups with civilian populations make operations difficult.

For locals, the insecurity often feels like a cycle of threat and response, with civilians bearing the worst burden. Attacks by bandits and unintended consequences of military actions have left many rural communities uneasy and distrustful of all armed actors.

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Community Impact: Displacement and Trauma

After the suspected helicopter attack, many families left their homes. Some fled into bushland or neighbouring villages to escape fear of further strikes. Markets closed early. Children stayed home from school. Daily life ground to a halt in places that once bustled with routine activity.

Trauma from the incident runs deep. Survivors speak of shattered windows, shattered nerves, and shattered trust. Elderly residents say they fear making simple trips outside their homes. These psychological wounds often linger long after physical injuries heal.

Local health workers stressed that physical wounds need care, but emotional support is critical too. Yet mental health resources in rural Nigeria are limited, making long-term recovery difficult.

Calls for Accountability and Transparency

There are growing calls from villagers, journalists, and policy analysts for a full investigation. This would involve collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and outlining the sequence of events clearly. They want guarantees that mistakes are acknowledged and addressed.

Experts say transparency builds trust, especially when the military operates among civilians. Public reports, independent reviews, and open dialogue could reduce fear and misunderstanding. Many believe this approach would strengthen security efforts and protect lives more effectively.

Civil society advocates emphasize that reforms must go beyond words. They call for concrete protocols that ensure accurate target identification, safeguard civilians during aerial operations, and establish clear channels for communication with local communities.

What Happens Next?

At the time of this writing, no official statement has come from the Nigerian Air Force or government spokespeople addressing the Kurgi incident directly. Villagers remain in shock and unease. Searches for injured persons continue. Families gather to support those who lost loved ones.

Lawmakers, activists, and analysts are monitoring the situation. Some may raise questions in legislative forums. Others will likely urge formal international monitoring or involvement. If agreed upon, such oversight could help guarantee an objective review of what occurred.

Meanwhile, communities like Kurgi are left to piece their lives together. They want answers — and they want protection. They want to be safe in their own homeland.

Summary: Key Takeaways

• Two residents were killed and several injured in a suspected Nigerian Air Force helicopter attack.
• The incident occurred on January 25, 2026, in Kurgi, Mariga LGA, Niger State.
• Eyewitnesses reported civilians were hit while going about daily routines.
• No official confirmation has been issued by military authorities.
• Human rights groups and locals demand investigation and transparency.

For further reading on security operations and air power in Nigeria, see the analysis on Nigerian Air Force strategy and the report on precision airstrikes against terrorists.