The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has condemned in strong terms the airstrike on a civilian market along the Borno–Yobe border, calling for urgent accountability and a sweeping reform of civilian protection measures in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations.
The attack, which occurred on Sunday, April 12, 2026, reportedly claimed over 56 lives and left many others injured, triggering fresh concerns about the safety of civilians in conflict-affected areas.
In a reaction to the incident, the Commission’s Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu, described the killings as a serious breach of the right to life, dignity, and personal security as enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and international humanitarian law.
He argued that describing the strike as accidental does not diminish the responsibility of the state, stressing that repeated air operations resulting in civilian casualties point to possible failures in adhering to the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution.
According to him, the growing pattern of such incidents is eroding public confidence and threatening the credibility of military efforts against insurgency.
The NHRC is demanding an immediate, transparent, and independent investigation into the airstrike, insisting that the process must go beyond the military and include oversight by the Commission, the National Assembly, independent experts, and affected communities.
It further called for accountability at every level of the operation, from intelligence gathering to mission execution, noting that anyone found responsible must be sanctioned in accordance with the law. The Commission also recommended the temporary suspension of officers directly linked to the operation to ensure the integrity of the investigation.
On victims’ welfare, the NHRC urged the Federal Government to provide urgent medical assistance to survivors, support for dignified burials, and adequate compensation to families of those killed, in line with international human rights obligations.
The Commission emphasized the need for a systematic review of operational procedures after every such incident to prevent future tragedies.
It also renewed its call for the immediate implementation of a National Policy on the Protection of Civilians, stressing that such a framework must embed human rights at the core of military operations, with clear guidelines for intelligence verification, targeting decisions, and post-strike assessments.
The NHRC advocated for the establishment of an independent civilian casualty tracking and response mechanism, insisting that safeguarding civilian lives is both a legal duty and a strategic necessity.
Reiterating its position, the Commission warned that the fight against terrorism must not mirror the lawlessness it seeks to eliminate.
It extended condolences to the bereaved families and assured that it would closely monitor developments while working with relevant authorities to ensure justice, accountability, and safeguards against recurrence.
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