The United Nations has called for an urgent and independent investigation into recent military airstrikes in northern Nigeria that reportedly left scores of civilians dead.
The appeal followed reports that air raids carried out in Zamfara State allegedly killed more than 100 people, many of them said to be local residents and traders at a community market.
Speaking in New York on Wednesday, UN Deputy Spokesperson, Farhan Haq, said the global body was deeply disturbed by the incidents and warned that the protection of civilians must remain a priority during military operations.
According to him, the UN Human Rights Chief, Volker Türk, had expressed concern over the growing reports of civilian casualties linked to security operations in the region.
“We join the UN Human Rights Chief, Volker Türk, in expressing alarm and shock over reported civilian deaths in northern Nigeria,” Haq said.
The reported strike in Zamfara allegedly occurred on May 10 in a market area, triggering outrage among residents and humanitarian observers.
Separate reports also claimed that military strikes carried out by Chadian forces around the Lake Chad region killed dozens of Nigerian fishermen in the northwestern part of the country.
The incidents have further raised concerns over cross-border military operations and the safety of civilians living in conflict-prone communities.
Haq said authorities in both Nigeria and Chad must ensure transparent investigations into the incidents.
He stressed that inquiries must be prompt, impartial and independent, adding that anyone found responsible for violations of international law should face accountability.
“Those responsible for any violations must be held to account.
“Both militaries must take all feasible precautions to protect civilians,” he said.
The UN’s position comes amid increasing scrutiny of military operations across northern Nigeria, where security forces have intensified aerial offensives against armed groups, bandits and insurgents.
However, Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters has dismissed reports suggesting that civilians were killed during the recent operation in Zamfara.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, said troops carried out a coordinated strike against terrorist leaders in Tumfa village, located in Shinkafi Local Government Area.
He maintained that the operation was intelligence-driven and targeted criminal elements threatening communities in the area.
“The casualty figures circulating remain speculative, unverified and inconsistent with official military assessments,” Onoja said.
He further stated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remained committed to professionalism, accountability and the protection of innocent civilians during operations.
The military has repeatedly defended the use of air power in the fight against terrorism and banditry, insisting that strikes are carefully planned based on surveillance and intelligence gathering.
Still, rights groups and humanitarian organisations have continued to raise concerns over accidental civilian deaths during military offensives in parts of the North-West and North-East.
