NHRC Slams Yobe Market Airstrike, Demands Accountability and Civilian Protection Policy Enforcement
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has once again condemned the airstrike on a civilian market at the Borno–Yobe border on Sunday, April 12, 2026, which reportedly claimed over 56 lives and left many others injured.
Reacting to the incident, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu (SAN) described the loss of civilian lives as a grave violation of the rights to life, dignity, and security of person, as guaranteed under Section 33 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and International Humanitarian Law.
According to NHRC Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Ojukwu stressed that labeling the incident as “accidental” does not absolve the State of its obligation to protect civilians.
Ojukwu lamented the recurring pattern of airstrikes resulting in civilian casualties, noting that such incidents raise serious concerns about compliance with the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution, which are binding in all military operations.
He further observed that the incident is not isolated, warning that repeated occurrences erode public trust and undermine the legitimacy of counter-terrorism efforts.
The NHRC therefore made the following demands:
a) Immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into the airstrike. The Commission emphasized that such an inquiry must not be conducted solely by the Nigerian Air Force but should include the NHRC, the National Assembly, independent experts, and representatives of affected communities to ensure impartiality and public confidence.
b) Accountability at all levels of command. All individuals involved—from intelligence assessment and mission authorization to execution—must be identified and held accountable where culpability is established. The Commission also called for the administrative suspension of officers directly involved, pending the outcome of investigations.
c) Full reparation for victims and their families. The Federal Government is urged to provide urgent medical care for the injured, support dignified burials, and ensure adequate compensation for affected families, in line with international human rights standards.
d) Comprehensive post-operation assessments to identify operational lapses and prevent future occurrences.
The Commission noted that the tragedy reinforces its longstanding call for the urgent implementation of a comprehensive National Policy on the Protection of Civilians, particularly in conflict zones.
It stated that such a policy must prioritize human rights and establish clear, binding protocols for intelligence verification, targeting, post-strike assessments, and civilian harm mitigation in military operations. It should also provide for a permanent, independent mechanism for tracking and responding to civilian casualties.
According to the NHRC, an integrated human rights approach is not optional but a legal obligation and the only path to lawful, effective, and sustainable security operations.
“The protection of civilians cannot be treated as collateral to national security,” the Commission stated, adding that the Nigerian State must ensure that its counter-terrorism efforts do not replicate the lawlessness and disregard for human life they seek to combat.
The Commission called on relevant authorities to act with urgency, stressing that Nigerians deserve answers, justice, and assurances of non-recurrence.
The NHRC also extended its condolences to the families of those killed and expressed solidarity with affected communities in Yobe State. It pledged to monitor the investigation and engage relevant authorities to ensure that victims’ rights are upheld, while reaffirming its readiness to support the implementation of an effective national policy on civilian protection.
