Rights body warns recurring casualties raise grave concerns for human rights and accountability
The National Human Rights Commission has demanded a full explanation from the Nigerian Air Force over the recurring wave of civilian casualties linked to military airstrikes across the country, warning that the continued loss of innocent lives is unacceptable and raises grave human rights concerns.
Executive Secretary Tony Ojukwu said the repeated bombings of civilian communities, markets and vulnerable populations under the guise of counter-insurgency operations have become deeply disturbing and cannot continue without accountability.
While acknowledging the state’s responsibility to combat insurgency, banditry and terrorism, Ojukwu stressed that military operations must comply strictly with constitutional provisions, international humanitarian law and Nigeria’s human rights obligations.
“The repeated reports of civilian deaths and injuries, including women, children and other vulnerable persons, arising from aerial bombardments raise serious concerns regarding the protection of the right to life and human dignity,” he stated.
The Commission questioned why civilian casualties linked to airstrikes have continued despite previous public outrage and repeated promises of operational reforms.
“Nigerians deserve to know why this has become a recurring decimal,” Ojukwu said.
He cited incidents recorded within April and May alone, including reported airstrike casualties at Jilli Market in Yobe State, Shiroro Market in Niger State and Tumfa Market in Zamfara State.
“For how long will this continue?” he asked.
Ojukwu warned that the principles of distinction, necessity, proportionality and accountability remain binding obligations under international humanitarian law and must guide every military engagement, especially in conflict-affected communities where civilians face the greatest risk.
According to him, civilian populations must never be reduced to “collateral damage” in the conduct of security operations.
The Commission called on the Nigerian Air Force to provide a comprehensive account of the circumstances surrounding the incidents and disclose the safeguards being implemented to prevent future civilian deaths. It also demanded prompt, transparent and independent investigations into all reported cases, insisting that victims and affected communities deserve justice, compensation and psychosocial support.
Ojukwu urged security agencies to improve intelligence gathering, operational precision and internal accountability mechanisms to reduce the risk of targeting innocent civilians during aerial operations.
The NHRC maintained that national security objectives cannot be pursued outside the framework of legality and respect for human dignity.
“National security and human rights protection are not mutually exclusive,” the Commission stated, warning that public trust in security operations would continue to erode if civilian deaths persist without accountability.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to closely monitor developments and engage relevant authorities to ensure the protection of citizens’ rights amid ongoing security operations across the country.
