The National Human Rights Commission has expressed deep concern over the recurrent incidents of military airstrikes reportedly resulting in significant civilian casualties across different parts of the country, describing the development as deeply troubling and incompatible with established human rights and humanitarian law standards.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN, stated that while the fight against insurgency, banditry, and other forms of insecurity remains a legitimate responsibility of the Nigerian State, such operations must at all times be conducted in strict compliance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, international human rights obligations, and international humanitarian law principles.
According to the Executive Secretary, 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, human dignity, and the obligation of State actors to exercise precaution and proportionality during security operations.
The Commission therefore calls on the Nigerian Air Force to provide a comprehensive explanation regarding the circumstances surrounding these incidents and the measures being taken to prevent further loss of innocent civilian lives.
“Nigerians deserve to know why this has become a recurring decimal, in April and May alone we have recorded the following casualties, in April Jilli market Yobe, in May Shiroro market Niger, again in May Tumfa market in Zamfara, for how long will this continue?” The Chief Human Rights Officer asked.
The NHRC Cheif emphasized that the principles of distinction, necessity, proportionality, and accountability are fundamental obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law and must guide all military engagements, particularly in conflict-affected communities.
Dr. Ojukwu noted that civilian lives must never be treated as collateral damage and urged security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, operational safeguards, and accountability mechanisms in order to minimize harm to non-combatants during military operations.
He further called for prompt, transparent, and independent investigations into all reported incidents of civilian casualties resulting from airstrikes, with a view to ensuring accountability, justice for victims, and adequate remedies, including compensation and psychosocial support for affected families and communities.
The NHRC reiterated that national security objectives and human rights protection are not mutually exclusive, stressing that sustainable peace and public trust can only be achieved where security operations are carried out within the bounds of legality, accountability, and respect for human dignity.
Ojukwu reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to monitor the situation closely and engage relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure the protection and promotion of the rights of all persons in Nigeria.
