UN Demands Probe into Deadly Airstrikes In Northern Nigeria

The United Nations has called on Nigerian and Chadian authorities to investigate military airstrikes that allegedly killed civilians in northern Nigeria.

The appeal was made on Wednesday in New York by United Nations deputy spokesperson, Farhan Haq.

“We join the UN Human Rights Chief, Volker Türk, in expressing alarm and shock over reported civilian deaths in northern Nigeria,” Haq said.

According to reports, Nigerian airstrikes on a market in Zamfara State on May 10 allegedly killed at least 100 civilians.

Separately, Chadian military strikes reportedly killed dozens of fishermen in northwestern Nigeria, raising fresh humanitarian concerns.

Haq said both governments must carry out 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, Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters has rejected reports of civilian casualties following a recent joint military operation in Zamfara State.

Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja said troops targeted terrorist leaders at Tumfa village in Shinkafi Local Government Area of the state.

“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.