Yobe Airstrike: NHRC Calls for Independent Inquiry, Seeks Justice for Civilian Casualties
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has strongly criticized the recent airstrike on a civilian market near the Borno–Yobe border, urging immediate accountability and comprehensive reforms to better protect civilians during Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations.
The incident, which took place on Sunday, April 12, 2026, reportedly left more than 56 people dead and several others injured, raising renewed alarm over the safety of non-combatants in conflict zones.
Reacting to the development, the Commission’s Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu, described the incident as a grave violation of fundamental rights, including the right to life, dignity, and personal security as guaranteed under Nigeria’s Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and international humanitarian law.
He maintained that even if the strike was unintended, the government remains fully responsible, noting that recurring civilian casualties from air operations suggest lapses in applying key principles such as distinction, proportionality, and precaution.
Ojukwu warned that the increasing frequency of such incidents risks undermining public trust and weakening the credibility of ongoing military operations against insurgents.
The NHRC has therefore called for a prompt, transparent, and independent investigation, emphasizing that the process should involve not only the military but also the Commission, the National Assembly, independent experts, and representatives of affected communities.
It also stressed the need for accountability across all stages of the operation—from intelligence gathering to execution—adding that those found culpable must face appropriate legal consequences. The Commission further recommended the temporary suspension of officers connected to the strike to ensure a credible investigation.
On humanitarian grounds, the NHRC urged the Federal Government to provide immediate medical care to survivors, ensure dignified burials for victims, and offer adequate compensation to bereaved families in line with international obligations.
The Commission also called for a thorough review of operational procedures following such incidents to prevent a recurrence.
Additionally, it reiterated the urgency of implementing a National Policy on the Protection of Civilians, insisting that human rights considerations must be central to military actions, with strict protocols for intelligence verification, targeting, and post-strike evaluation.
The NHRC further advocated the creation of an independent system for tracking and responding to civilian casualties, stressing that protecting civilian lives is both a legal obligation and a strategic priority.
Reaffirming its stance, the Commission cautioned that efforts to combat terrorism must not replicate the very lawlessness they aim to eradicate.
It expressed sympathy to the families of the victims and pledged to continue monitoring the situation while engaging relevant authorities to ensure justice, accountability, and measures to prevent future occurrences.
