The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), has raised fresh concerns over the growing number of civilians reportedly killed in military airstrikes across parts of Nigeria, warning that repeated bombardments of local communities and marketplaces are eroding public trust and violating fundamental human rights protections.
The Commission specifically demanded explanations from the Nigerian Air Force over what it described as a disturbing pattern of civilian casualties linked to aerial operations targeting insurgents and bandits in conflict-prone areas.
Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, said although the federal government has a constitutional responsibility to combat terrorism and insecurity, security operations must be conducted within the limits of both domestic and international law.
According to him, the increasing reports of women, children and other non-combatants being killed or injured during military air raids raise serious questions about operational safeguards, intelligence accuracy and compliance with humanitarian principles.
The rights body cited recent incidents in Jilli Market in Yobe State, Shiroro Market in Niger State and Tumfa Market in Zamfara State, where airstrikes reportedly claimed civilian lives within a span of two months.
“Nigerians deserve to know why this has become a recurring pattern. In April and May alone, we recorded casualties in Jilli Market in Yobe, Shiroro Market in Niger and Tumfa Market in Zamfara. For how long will this continue?” Ojukwu queried.
He stressed that the principles of distinction, necessity, proportionality and accountability remain central obligations under international humanitarian law and must guide military engagements, particularly in civilian-populated communities affected by conflict.
The NHRC further warned against treating civilian deaths as unavoidable “collateral damage,” urging security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve operational precision and adopt stricter precautionary measures before carrying out aerial offensives.
The Commission also called for transparent and independent investigations into all incidents involving civilian casualties from airstrikes, insisting that victims and affected families deserve justice, compensation and psychosocial support.
Ojukwu maintained that national security objectives should not come at the expense of human rights, noting that public confidence in security institutions can only be sustained where accountability, legality and respect for human dignity are upheld.
The Commission said it would continue monitoring developments and engaging relevant authorities to ensure greater protection of civilians during ongoing counter-insurgency and anti-banditry operations across the country.
