NHRC Demands Explanation Over Recurrent Civilian Casualties From Military Airstrikes

Rights Commission raises alarm over repeated air bombardments on civilian communities, demands accountability and protection of innocent lives

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By A1NEWS International

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed grave concern over the growing incidents of military airstrikes allegedly resulting in civilian casualties across parts of Nigeria, warning that the repeated loss of innocent lives violates both constitutional guarantees and international humanitarian law principles.

The Commission called on the Nigerian Air Force to publicly explain the circumstances surrounding the incidents and outline concrete measures being adopted to prevent further deaths of non-combatants during military operations.

NHRC Raises Alarm Over Civilian Deaths

Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, described the recurring reports of civilian casualties from aerial bombardments as disturbing and unacceptable in a democratic society governed by the rule of law.

Ojukwu stated that although the Nigerian government possesses the constitutional responsibility to combat insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and other security threats, such operations must strictly comply with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, international human rights obligations, and the principles of international humanitarian law.

According to him, repeated reports of deaths and injuries involving women, children, and vulnerable residents in affected communities raise serious concerns about the protection of the right to life and human dignity.

Demand For Accountability

The NHRC questioned why incidents involving civilian casualties from military airstrikes have become recurrent, citing several recent cases allegedly recorded between April and May.

“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 in Yobe; in May, Shiroro Market in Niger State; and again in May, Tumfa Market in Zamfara. For how long will this continue?” Ojukwu queried.

The Chief Human Rights Officer stressed that military operations must always observe internationally recognised principles of distinction, necessity, proportionality, and accountability, especially in conflict-prone areas where civilians are at heightened risk.

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Call For Independent Investigations

The Commission urged security agencies to improve intelligence gathering, operational safeguards, and accountability mechanisms to reduce civilian harm during counterinsurgency operations.

Ojukwu further called for transparent, prompt, and independent investigations into all reported incidents involving civilian casualties arising from airstrikes.

He noted that victims and affected communities deserve justice, compensation, and psychosocial support where violations are established.

According to the NHRC boss, civilian lives must never be dismissed as collateral damage in the pursuit of national security objectives.

Human Rights And National Security Must Coexist

The Commission maintained that national security and human rights protection are complementary rather than contradictory goals.

It emphasized that sustainable peace, public confidence, and national stability can only be achieved when security operations are conducted within the boundaries of legality, accountability, and respect for human dignity.

Ojukwu reaffirmed the NHRC’s commitment to monitoring the situation and engaging relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure the protection of fundamental rights across the country.

The latest intervention by the NHRC adds to growing public concerns over civilian safety in military operations targeting insurgents and armed groups across Nigeria’s troubled regions. Analysts say increasing transparency, improved intelligence coordination, and strict adherence to humanitarian law remain critical to rebuilding public trust and avoiding further civilian tragedies.