NHRC Demands Explanation Over Recurrent Civilian Deaths From Military Airstrikes

The National Human Rights Commission has expressed concern over the recurring incidents of military airstrikes allegedly resulting in civilian casualties across parts of the country, describing the development as disturbing and inconsistent with human rights and humanitarian law standards.

In a statement issued by the Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages of the Commission, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, said although the fight against insurgency, banditry and other security threats remains a legitimate responsibility of the Nigerian government, such operations must comply with constitutional and international legal obligations.

According to Ojukwu, repeated reports of civilian deaths and injuries involving women, children and other vulnerable persons during aerial bombardments raise serious concerns over the protection of the right to life and human dignity.

He said security agencies must observe precautionary and proportionality principles in all military operations.

The Commission specifically called on the Nigerian Air Force to provide a detailed explanation regarding the circumstances surrounding the incidents and the steps being taken to prevent future civilian casualties.

“Nigerians deserve to know why this has become a recurring decimal. In April and May alone, we recorded casualties at Jilli Market in Yobe, Shiroro Market in Niger State and Tumfa Market in Zamfara State. For how long will this continue?” Ojukwu queried.

The NHRC boss stressed that the principles of distinction, necessity, proportionality and accountability remain fundamental obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law and must guide all military engagements, especially in conflict-prone communities.

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 further called for prompt, transparent and independent investigations into all reported incidents involving civilian casualties from airstrikes.

According to him, such investigations are necessary to ensure accountability, justice for victims and appropriate remedies, including compensation and psychosocial support for affected families and communities.

The Commission maintained that national security objectives and human rights protection are not mutually exclusive, insisting that sustainable peace and public trust can only be achieved when security operations are conducted within the framework of legality, accountability and respect for human dignity.

Ojukwu reaffirmed the NHRC’s commitment to closely monitor the situation and engage relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure the protection of citizens’ rights across the country.