UN demands probes over Nigerian, Chadian airstrikes that killed civilians

The United Nations Human Rights Chief, Volker Turk has demanded independent investigations into reports that separate military airstrikes by the Nigerian and Chadian forces in the northern parts
have killed more than 140 civilians in recent days.

The incidents highlight the devastating toll on non-combatants caught in the crossfire of regional military operations
against armed groups and insurgents.

Zamfara Market Bombardment

On Sunday, May 10, 2026, a Nigerian military airstrike struck a crowded market in Tumfa village, located in the Zurmi Local Government Area of northwestern Zamfara state.

According to Amnesty International and local witnesses, the attack resulted in the deaths of at least 100 civilians, with many more injured.

Witnesses reported that military jets were seen hovering over the weekly market around midday before returning at 2:00 PM to carry out the bombardment.

Amnesty International stated that many of the victims were women and children, and called on Nigerian authorities to immediately investigate the incident.
The Nigerian military has been engaged in a prolonged conflict against armed gangs, often referred to as “bandits,” in the northwest region.

In response to the allegations, Nigeria’s
Defence Headquarters spokesman, Major-General Michael Onoja, stated on Wednesday that there was “no credible, substantiated evidence of the civilian casualties” established through
official assessments.

Onoja claimed the strike was conducted under international humanitarian law and targeted a “confirmed high-level gathering” of terrorists based on
intelligence.
Tragedy on Lake Chad

In a separate incident, dozens of Nigerian fishermen are feared dead following a series of airstrikes conducted by the Chadian military in the Lake Chad region.

The strikes, which reportedly targeted Boko Haram positions on islands such as Tilma Island, were launched in reprisal for a jihadist attack that killed 40 Chadian soldiers.

Local sources and fishermen’s leaders estimate that at least 40 Nigerian fishermen are missing and presumed dead, either killed directly in the strikes or drowned while attempting to flee the bombardment.
The fishermen were reportedly working on islands under Boko Haram control, where civilians are often forced to pay taxes to the armed group.

Footage verified by news agencies showed several fishermen with severe burns receiving treatment at a hospital in Bosso, Niger.

Authorities in Chad and Nigeria have not
officially commented on the civilian casualties, though Chad’s presidency previously announced it had carried out retaliatory “intensive air strikes” against the insurgents.
International Outcry and Calls for Accountability

The staggering loss of civilian life has prompted strong condemnation from international human rights organizations and the United Nations.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk expressed his shock and sadness over the incidents, issuing a statement on May 13, 2026:

“I am shocked by reports that Nigerian army airstrikes on a market in the northeastern Zamfara state killed at least 100 civilians on 10 May and injured many more.
I am also alarmed and saddened by reports that dozens of fishermen were killed in recent Chadian military airstrikes in northwestern Nigeria.”

Türk emphasized the urgent need for accountability, urging both Nigerian and Chadian authorities to conduct “prompt, thorough, independent and impartial investigations” into the strikes.

He reminded both militaries of their obligations under the international
humanitarian and human rights law, stressing that “civilians and civilian objects must never be the target of attack” and that all feasible precautions must be taken to avoid civilian
harm.

The recent tragedies underscore the complex and perilous environment for civilians living in conflict zones across Nigeria and the broader Lake Chad basin, where military efforts to the combat insurgencies continue to exact a heavy human cost.