UN and Amnesty call for independent probes into deadly Nigeria and Chad airstrikes
The United Nations and human rights organizations have called for urgent independent investigations after reports that military airstrikes in Nigeria and Chad caused heavy civilian casualties in fragile regions around the Lake Chad Basin. According to statements by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and Amnesty International, the incidents may have […] ظهرت المقالة UN and Amnesty call for independent probes into deadly Nigeria and Chad airstrikes أولاً على African Percentions.
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The United Nations and human rights organizations have called for urgent independent investigations after reports that military airstrikes in Nigeria and Chad caused heavy civilian casualties in fragile regions around the Lake Chad Basin.
According to statements by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and Amnesty International, the incidents may have killed more than 100 civilians and heightened humanitarian concerns across northeastern Nigeria and neighboring countries.
UN raises alarm over civilian casualties
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said he was “shocked” by what were described as credible reports of civilian deaths linked to separate operations by Nigerian and Chadian forces.
The UN called for “independent and impartial” investigations, stressing that all parties conducting counterterrorism operations must comply with international humanitarian law and protect civilians.
Reports of market strike in Zamfara
In Nigeria, Amnesty International and witnesses said a military airstrike on May 10 hit a crowded market in Tumfa village in Zamfara State.
At least 100 civilians were reportedly killed, including women and children, during peak market hours. Survivors described widespread destruction and heavy casualties among traders and families.
The Nigerian military strongly denied the allegations.
Military spokesperson Major General Michael Onoja said there was “no credible evidence” of civilian deaths and that the strike targeted armed groups, adding that precautions were taken to minimize harm.
Authorities said internal reviews of the operation are ongoing.
Chad rejects accusations
The second incident involved Chadian airstrikes targeting suspected Boko Haram positions on islands in the Lake Chad marshlands.
Witness accounts cited by the UN suggested dozens of Nigerian fishermen may have been killed, while medical teams in Bosso, Niger treated burn victims.
Chad’s government rejected claims that civilians were targeted.
Communication Minister Gassim Chérif Mahamat said the allegations aimed to “discredit” the military, while indicating that transparent national investigations could be conducted.
Rising humanitarian pressure in northeast Nigeria
The incidents come amid worsening humanitarian conditions in northeastern Nigeria, where years of insurgency have displaced millions.
UN data show about 2.3 million people remain internally displaced in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states, with another 2.2 million returnees facing insecurity and limited services.
Aid agencies estimate that 4.8 million people face severe food insecurity, while about 8.4 million in northern Nigeria need humanitarian assistance, including roughly 5 million children at risk.
Funding gaps continue to constrain humanitarian operations in 2026.
Growing scrutiny of military operations
Conflicting narratives between international organizations and national militaries highlight increasing scrutiny of aerial counterinsurgency operations in the Sahel and Lake Chad regions.
Rights groups say transparent investigations will be key to ensuring accountability and maintaining public trust in areas already affected by prolonged conflict.
ظهرت المقالة UN and Amnesty call for independent probes into deadly Nigeria and Chad airstrikes أولاً على African Percentions.
