UN rights chief demands probe into Nigerian and Chadian air strikes after civilian deaths

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has called for independent and impartial investigations into recent military air operations conducted by Nigerian and Chadian armed forces following reports of heavy civilian casualties.

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said in a statement issued from Geneva that both operations raise serious concerns under international humanitarian law, particularly regarding the protection of civilians during military campaigns against Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province, and armed groups.

Nigerian air strike in Zamfara

According to Amnesty International and local officials, a Nigerian military airstrike on Sunday, May 10, hit a crowded market in Tumfa village in Zurmi district of Zamfara State, killing at least 100 civilians.

Witnesses and humanitarian sources said many of the victims were women and children gathered at the market at the time of the strike.

The Nigerian military rejected reports of mass civilian casualties. Defence Headquarters spokesperson Major General Michael Onoja said on May 13 that the operation targeted a “confirmed high-level gathering” of armed groups identified through “multi-sourced intelligence.”

The military described reports of civilian deaths as “unverified and misleading.”

The incident has intensified scrutiny of Nigeria’s aerial counterterrorism operations following another controversial strike in April 2026 in Jilli, Yobe State, where reports indicated that about 200 civilians were accidentally killed during an operation targeting suspected militants.

Chadian operations in the Lake Chad Basin

In a separate development, Chadian fighter jets carried out sustained bombardments across islands in the Lake Chad region beginning Friday, May 8, following a deadly Boko Haram ambush that reportedly killed at least 24 Chadian soldiers, including two generals.

The strikes focused on Shuwa Island, considered a stronghold for jihadist fighters operating in the Lake Chad Basin.

However, regional humanitarian sources and fishing community leaders said civilians were also affected during the operations.

The head of a fisheries association in Nigeria’s Lake Chad Basin said dozens of Nigerian fishermen were caught in the attacks and subsequent attempts to flee.

More than 40 fishermen are feared dead or missing after boats carrying fleeing civilians capsized. Survivors with severe burns are reportedly receiving treatment at a hospital in Bosso, Niger.

Local sources said civilians in parts of the Lake Chad Basin often operate under coercive conditions, including paying taxes to Boko Haram-linked groups to access fishing zones, complicating the distinction between civilians and fighters in military assessments.

As of Wednesday, the Chadian military had not issued a detailed public statement addressing the allegations.

UN stresses international humanitarian law

Türk stressed that military operations against extremist groups must fully comply with international humanitarian law.

He highlighted the precautionary principle, which requires armed forces to take all feasible measures to minimize civilian harm during operations.

He also reiterated that civilians and civilian infrastructure, including markets and hospitals, must never be deliberately targeted.

Türk urged authorities in Nigeria and Chad to ensure credible investigations and accountability for any violations.

Growing concerns over civilian harm

The incidents have renewed international concern over the humanitarian impact of counterinsurgency operations across the Lake Chad Basin and northwestern Nigeria.

Human rights organizations have repeatedly warned that flawed intelligence, insufficient safeguards, and limited accountability mechanisms continue to expose civilians to serious risks during air operations targeting armed groups.

Analysts say Nigeria and Chad remain under pressure to contain escalating militant violence while balancing military objectives with obligations under international law.

Summary of reported air operations

Date (2026)
Location
Military involved
Claimed target
Reported civilian toll

May 10
Zamfara, Nigeria
Nigerian Air Force
Armed group leaders
100+ killed

May 8–12
Lake Chad Basin
Chadian Air Force
Boko Haram camps
40+ fishermen dead or missing

May 9–10
Niger State, Nigeria
Nigerian Air Force
Armed gangs
13 civilians killed

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