The National Human Rights Commission has expressed grave concern over the recurring incidents of military airstrikes allegedly leading to civilian casualties in different parts of the country, warning that the trend violates established human rights and humanitarian law standards.
Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, said although the Nigerian government has a legitimate responsibility to combat insurgency, banditry, and other security threats, such operations must be conducted in line with the Nigerian Constitution, international human rights obligations, and principles of international humanitarian law.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Ojukwu described reports of civilian deaths and injuries from aerial bombardments as deeply troubling, especially as women, children, and other vulnerable persons were reportedly among the victims.
According to him, the repeated incidents have raised serious concerns about the protection of the right to life, human dignity, and the obligation of security agencies to exercise caution and proportionality during military operations.
The NHRC therefore called on the Nigerian Air Force to provide a detailed explanation on the circumstances surrounding the incidents and the measures being implemented to prevent further loss of innocent lives.
“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, and Tumfa market in Zamfara. For how long will this continue?” Ojukwu queried.
The Chief Human Rights Officer 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 operations, particularly in conflict-prone communities.
He further urged security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, operational safeguards, and accountability mechanisms to reduce the risk of harm to civilians during aerial operations.
Ojukwu also called for prompt, transparent, and independent investigations into all reported cases of civilian casualties linked to airstrikes, insisting that victims and affected communities deserve justice, compensation, and psychosocial support.
The Commission maintained that national security objectives and human rights protection are not mutually exclusive, noting that sustainable peace and public confidence can only be achieved when security operations are carried out within the bounds of legality, accountability, and respect for human dignity.
The NHRC reaffirmed its commitment to closely monitor developments and engage relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure the protection and promotion of human rights across the country.
