By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – The National Human Rights Commission has expressed serious concern over the recurring incidents of military airstrikes allegedly resulting in heavy civilian casualties in different parts of the country, describing the trend as disturbing and inconsistent with human rights and humanitarian law standards.
Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, stated that although the fight against insurgency, banditry and other security threats remains a legitimate responsibility of the Nigerian government, such operations must be carried out in strict compliance with the Constitution, international human rights obligations and principles of international humanitarian law, the statement signed on Wednesday by Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages of the Commission, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed said.
Ojukwu noted that repeated reports of civilian deaths and injuries, including women, children and other vulnerable persons, arising from aerial bombardments, raise grave concerns about the protection of the right to life, human dignity and the responsibility of state actors to exercise caution and proportionality during military operations.
The Commission consequently called on the Nigerian Air Force to provide a detailed explanation on the circumstances surrounding the incidents and the measures being adopted 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 recorded casualties at Jilli Market in Yobe State, Shiroro Market in Niger State and Tumfa Market in Zamfara State. For how long will this continue?” Ojukwu queried.
The NHRC boss stressed that the principles of distinction, necessity, proportionality and accountability remain fundamental obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law and must guide all military engagements, especially in conflict-affected communities.
He maintained that civilian lives should never be treated as collateral damage, urging security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, operational safeguards and accountability mechanisms to reduce harm to non-combatants during military operations.
Ojukwu further called for prompt, transparent and independent investigations into all reported cases of civilian casualties caused by airstrikes, with a view to ensuring accountability, justice for victims and adequate remedies, including compensation and psychosocial support for affected families and communities.
The Commission reiterated that national security objectives and the protection of human rights are not mutually exclusive, emphasizing that sustainable peace and public trust can only be achieved when security operations are conducted within the bounds of legality, accountability and respect for human dignity.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to closely monitor the situation and engage relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure the protection and promotion of the rights of all persons in Nigeria.
