CDHR Condemns Deadly Boko Haram Attack in Borno, Demands Security Overhaul
The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has strongly condemned the recent deadly attack by suspected Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, describing it as a grave violation of fundamental human rights and a failure of the nation’s security system.
In a statement issued after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on March 22, 2026, the group said the attack, which targeted communities in Gwoza Local Government Area and surrounding settlements, left no fewer than 35 civilians dead, several others injured, and many abducted.
According to the CDHR, eyewitness reports indicated that the attackers operated in large numbers and moved weapons using tricycles, highlighting the scale and coordination of the assault.
The organisation expressed deep concern over what it described as a failure of intelligence and security agencies to detect and prevent the attack. It warned that such lapses raise serious questions about the effectiveness and accountability of Nigeria’s security architecture.
Citing Section 33 of the Nigerian Constitution and international legal frameworks such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Geneva Conventions, the group said the incident represents a clear breach of the right to life and Nigeria’s obligations under global human rights laws.
The CDHR called on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to launch an independent and transparent investigation into the attack, particularly focusing on possible intelligence and operational failures.
It also urged the Federal Government to overhaul the country’s security intelligence framework, adopt modern surveillance technologies, and strengthen inter-agency collaboration to prevent future occurrences.
The group further demanded accountability for any officers or institutions found negligent, while calling for urgent humanitarian support for affected communities, including medical care, trauma counselling, and assistance for displaced persons.
In addition, the CDHR advocated for improved civilian protection in conflict-prone areas through proactive, intelligence-driven security deployments and the promotion of community-based intelligence gathering mechanisms that respect human rights.
The organisation also urged oversight bodies, including the National Human Rights Commission, to monitor the situation and ensure victims have access to justice.
Reaffirming its solidarity with the people of Borno State, the CDHR stressed that the protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of the government, warning that recurring attacks underscore the urgent need for decisive reforms in Nigeria’s security system.
