By George Ozalla
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed deep concern over recurring incidents of military airstrikes reportedly leading to heavy civilian casualties in different parts of the country, describing the development as disturbing and inconsistent with established human rights and humanitarian law standards.
Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Dr Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, stated that while the fight against insurgency, banditry and other security threats remains a legitimate responsibility of the Nigerian state, such operations must be conducted in strict compliance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, international human rights obligations and principles of international humanitarian law.
According to him, repeated reports of civilian deaths and injuries, including women, children and other vulnerable persons affected by aerial bombardments, have continued to raise serious concerns over 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 called on the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to provide a comprehensive explanation on the circumstances surrounding the incidents and 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 in Yobe; in May, Shiroro market in Niger State; and again in May, Tumfa market in Zamfara. For how long will this continue?” Ojukwu asked.
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, particularly in conflict-affected communities.
He maintained that civilian lives must never be treated as collateral damage and urged security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, operational safeguards and accountability mechanisms to minimise harm to non-combatants during military operations.
Ojukwu 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 Commission reiterated that national security objectives and protection of human rights are not mutually exclusive, stressing that sustainable peace and public trust can only be achieved where security operations are conducted within the bounds of legality, accountability and respect for human dignity.
In a statement signed by the Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages of the Commission, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Ojukwu reaffirmed the commitment of the Commission to continue monitoring the situation closely and engaging relevant authorities and stakeholders towards ensuring the protection and promotion of the rights of all persons in Nigeria.
