Nigeria Rights Body Demands Probe into Civilian Deaths from Airstrikes

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Nigeria has urgently called on the military to conduct a thorough and prompt investigation into recurrent civilian casualties resulting from airstrikes. This demand follows reports, including those from Amnesty International, alleging that at least 100 civilians were killed in a recent airstrike on a crowded market in Zamfara state, marking the third such incident since April. While the Nigerian military denies evidence of civilian harm, the NHRC emphasizes that counter-insurgency operations must strictly adhere to constitutional and international humanitarian laws. The commission expressed deep concern over the recurring nature of these tragedies, questioning why such violations persist. Additionally, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk urged Nigerian authorities to launch an independent and impartial inquiry into the Zamfara incident. This situation highlights the ongoing tension between state security efforts against banditry and insurgency in northeast and northwest Nigeria and the protection of civilian lives. Previous investigations were opened after approximately 200 civilians died in a similar airstrike in Jilli in April, underscoring the critical need for accountability and compliance with human rights standards in conflict-affected regions.