Fresh concerns have emerged over civilian casualties linked to recent military airstrikes in parts of Nigeria, with the National Human Rights Commission demanding explanations from the Nigerian Air Force.
The commission said repeated reports of civilians being killed during aerial operations in the North-east, North-west and North-central regions raise serious human rights and humanitarian concerns. Among the incidents referenced was an April airstrike on a market in Jilli, a community between Yobe and Borno states, where residents claimed civilians were killed.
Another operation carried out on May 10 in parts of Niger and Zamfara states also reportedly left scores of civilians dead during attacks targeting armed groups.
Although military authorities and some state governments denied civilian casualties and insisted that only terrorists were affected, residents and rights groups have continued to question the operations and demand independent investigations.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the NHRC described the recurring incidents as deeply troubling and warned that security operations must comply with constitutional and international human rights standards. The commission stressed that while the fight against insurgency and banditry is necessary, civilian lives must not be treated as collateral damage.
It called on the Nigerian Air Force to provide a full explanation of the incidents and outline steps being taken to prevent future occurrences. The NHRC also urged authorities to carry out transparent investigations into all reported civilian deaths and ensure accountability, compensation and support for affected families.
According to the commission, public trust and lasting peace can only be achieved when security operations are conducted with accountability and respect for human dignity.
