The United Nations has called on Nigerian and Chadian authorities to investigate deadly military airstrikes that reportedly killed civilians in northern Nigeria.
United Nations Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq made the appeal on Wednesday during a news conference in New York.
The call follows reports of airstrikes in parts of northern Nigeria that allegedly resulted in significant civilian casualties, further raising concerns over the humanitarian impact of ongoing military operations against armed groups and criminal elements in the region.
Haq said, “We join the UN Human Rights Chief, Volker Türk, in expressing alarm and shock over reported civilian deaths in northern Nigeria.”
According to reports, Nigerian airstrikes on a market in Zamfara State on May 10 allegedly killed at least 100 civilians.
Separately, military strikes reportedly carried out by Chadian forces were said to have killed dozens of fishermen in northwestern Nigeria, intensifying humanitarian concerns in border communities around the Lake Chad region.
Haq stated that both governments must conduct prompt, independent and impartial investigations into the incidents.
“Those responsible for any violations must be held to account. Both militaries must take all feasible precautions to protect civilians,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters rejected reports of civilian casualties following a recent joint operation in Zamfara State.
Major General Michael Onoja said troops targeted terrorist leaders at Tumfa village in Shinkafi Local Government Area.
“The casualty figures circulating remain speculative, unverified and inconsistent with official military assessments,” he said.
Onoja added that the Armed Forces remained committed to accountability, professionalism and the protection of civilians during military operations.
