The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on the Nigerian Air Force to urgently explain the continuous reported airstrikes that have allegedly led to civilian deaths in different parts of the country, warning that the pattern of the incidents raises serious human rights and accountability concerns.
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Tony Ojukwu, said the commission is increasingly worried about what it described as repeated loss of civilian lives during military aerial operations conducted in the course of counter-insurgency and anti-banditry campaigns.
He noted that while the Federal Government has a duty to combat insecurity across the country, such operations must be carried out within the limits of the law and in line with international humanitarian standards that protect civilians
He claimed that allegations of women, children, and other vulnerable people being killed or injured during airstrikes indicate possible violations of human dignity and the right to life, which cannot be disregarded.
Ojukwu questioned why, in spite of past public concerns and promises that operational procedures would be reviewed to prevent injury to civilians, such instances still happen.
He listed a number of documented occurrences that occurred between April and May, such as those at Tumfa Market in Zamfara State, Shiroro Market in Niger State, and Jilli Market in Yobe State. He described these incidents as part of a concerning pattern that requires immediate intervention.
“Why does this keep happening, and for how long will Nigerians continue to witness such tragedies?” he questioned.
The NHRC emphasized that every military action must be guided by fundamental principles of warfare, such as the separation between combatants and civilians, proportionality in the use of force, and necessity, particularly in communities where civilians are in risk.
It cautioned against treating civilians as unintentional casualties during security operations.
The commission also asked the Nigerian Air Force to give a thorough account of the events and make clear what safeguards are in place to stop similar disasters from happening again.
Additionally, it demanded that all recorded cases of civilian casualties be investigated independently and openly, emphasizing that the impacted families should receive justice, compensation, and sufficient support.
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