Human rights groups in Nigeria are condemning the pattern of civilian deaths from airstrikes in the northeast, and calling for an impartial investigation into the military’s operations. This comes after reports from local residents that at least 15 civilians were killed in weekend air strikes targeting armed gangs in Zamfara state.
Nigeria’s air force has confirmed it is investigating multiple reports of civilian casualties in Saturday’s raid.
An air force spokesman, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, said on Sunday there was no confirmed evidence of civilian casualties and clarified that the airstrike targeted criminal gangs, resulting in the rescue of many people.
However, local residents of Tungar Kara village told news media that at least 15 people were killed, including members of a local militia.
The incident follows a Christmas Day airstrike in nearby Sokoto state that killed 10 civilians.
Amnesty International’s Isa Sanusi condemned continued reports of civilian casualties.
“It is really unfortunate that the army is doing the same thing again and again – attacking without proper verification of its targets,” Sanusi said, “It has now reached such a level that we cannot call it the army’s fault.” “This is being done because the government cannot hold them accountable.”
Amnesty International says it has received evidence and evidence indicating that the recent airstrike in Tungar Kara killed innocent civilians.
Nigerian authorities have struggled to curb the operations of armed gangs and terrorist groups, often resorting to airstrikes to fight them. However, civilian deaths have remained high.
On Monday, Nigeria’s chief of defense staff, General Christopher Musa, told local media that the military does not intentionally target civilians and that the accident was under investigation.
However, Sanusi pushed for greater accountability.
Sanusi said, “The military should be asked to hand over every detail they have. A panel should be formed, including experts on military air operations, to find out the real reason why this is happening and This can be avoided in future.” “The families of the victims have also contacted us.”
Security analyst Chidi Omeje said the military should exercise caution in its air operations.
“I’m not sure that when you have this type of intense military operation, you always get it right. “That’s why I’m really not very comfortable with the use of air combat in this way, because I’m not sure we’ve reached the point where we can be very precise in our strikes,” Omeje said.
More than 400 Nigerian civilians have been killed in military airstrikes since 2017, according to Lagos-based research firm SBM Intelligence.