The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has demanded an explanation from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) over the recent military airstrikes that killed civilians in parts of the country, describing the incidents as disturbing and inconsistent with human rights and international humanitarian law standards
In recent times, there have been three NAF airstrikes which resulted in civilian casualties across the North-east, North-west and North-central.
In April, an airforce strike killed unspecified numbers of civilians in a “precision” airstrike on a market in Jilli, a community bordering Yobe and Borno states.
On 10 May, military airstrikes targeting terrorists reportedly killed more than 100 civilians in Niger and Zamfara states.
While military and the state governments have disputed these reports, insisting that only terrorists were killed, residents and rights groups claimed scores of civilians were killed, although casualty figures varied. The NAF however announced an investigation into allegations of civilian deaths.
This is even as many Nigerians, as well as human rights organisations like Amnesty International, have called for an independent investigation into the alleged killings.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, the Executive Secretary of the commission, Dr Tony Ojukwu, said that although the fight against insurgency and banditry remained a legitimate responsibility of the state, military operations must comply with constitutional and international legal obligations.
Ojukwu expressed concern over repeated reports of civilian deaths and injuries, including women and children, during aerial bombardments in conflict-affected communities.
He specifically referenced reported casualties from airstrikes at Jilli Market in Yobe State, Shiroro Market in Niger State and Tumfa Market in Zamfara State.
“The Commission therefore calls on the Nigerian Air Force to provide a comprehensive explanation regarding the circumstances surrounding these incidents and the measures being taken to prevent further loss of innocent civilian lives.
“Nigerians deserve to know why this has become a recurring decimal. In April and May alone, we have recorded the following casualties, in April, Jilli market Yobe, in May, Shiroro market in Niger, again in May Tumfa market in Zamfara, for how long will this continue?” he asked.
The NHRC chief stressed that the principles of distinction, necessity, proportionality and accountability must guide military engagements, particularly in areas populated by civilians.
He warned that civilian lives should never be treated as collateral damage and urged security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, operational safeguards and accountability mechanisms to minimise harm to non-combatants.
Ojukwu also called for “prompt, transparent, and independent investigations into all reported incidents of civilian casualties resulting from airstrikes,” to ensure accountability, justice for victims, and adequate remedies, including compensation and psychosocial support for affected families and communities.
The commission further maintained that national security objectives and human rights protection were not mutually exclusive, adding that public trust and sustainable peace could only be achieved “where security operations are carried out within the bounds of legality, accountability, and respect for human dignity.”
