The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on the Nigerian Air Force to urgently account for a series of reported airstrikes that allegedly resulted in civilian casualties in different parts of the country.
The Commission expressed deep concern over what it described as a recurring and troubling pattern of incidents linked to military aerial operations carried out in the course of counter-insurgency and anti-banditry campaigns.
NHRC Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu, said the Commission was increasingly alarmed by reports suggesting that women, children, and other vulnerable civilians had been killed or injured during such operations, raising questions about possible violations of the right to life and human dignity.
While acknowledging the government’s responsibility to combat insecurity, the NHRC stressed that all military actions must strictly comply with legal frameworks and international humanitarian law, particularly the principles of distinction, proportionality, and military necessity designed to protect civilian lives.
Ojukwu also questioned why such incidents continue to be recorded despite earlier assurances that operational procedures had been reviewed to reduce civilian harm.
Among the cases referenced by the Commission are reported incidents at Jilli Market in Yobe State, Shiroro Market in Niger State, and Tumfa Market in Zamfara State, which occurred between April and May and were cited as part of a worrying trend requiring urgent attention.
The NHRC firmly rejected the idea that civilian casualties should be accepted as unavoidable consequences of security operations, insisting that stronger safeguards must be implemented.
The Commission therefore called on the Nigerian Air Force to provide a comprehensive and transparent explanation of the incidents and to outline measures being taken to prevent a recurrence.
It also demanded independent investigations into all reported cases, stating that affected families deserve justice, compensation, and adequate support.