NHRC Seeks Answers as Civilian Deaths from Military Airstrikes Trigger Outrage

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), has demanded a full explanation from the Nigerian Air Force over the recurring wave of civilian casualties linked to military airstrikes across parts of the country, warning that the continued loss of innocent lives was unacceptable and raised grave human rights concerns.

Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, said the repeated bombings of civilian communities, markets and vulnerable populations under the guise of counter-insurgency operations had become deeply disturbing and could not continue without accountability.

While acknowledging the responsibility of the Nigerian state 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 to recur 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 recent 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.

The Chief Human Rights Officer however 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 were at 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 further demanded prompt, transparent and independent investigations into all reported cases of civilian casualties resulting from military airstrikes, insisting that victims and affected communities deserve justice, compensation and psychosocial support.