A Nigerian military airstrike targeting rebels in the country’s northwest has resulted in the deaths of several civilians, officials confirmed Monday.
The Nigerian Air Force did not disclose the number of civilian casualties in the Safana area of Katsina state, but spokesperson Olusola Akinboyewa stated that an investigation is underway to verify the extent of the losses.
Akinboyewa described reports of civilian deaths as “deeply troubling” and said the airstrike was launched in response to a rebel attack on a local police division.
Amnesty International reported at least 10 civilian deaths in a statement Sunday, condemning the incident as part of a pattern of human rights violations by the Nigerian military. The rights group called for an independent investigation into the strike.
This marks the second time this year that a military airstrike has killed civilians in Nigeria’s restive northwestern region. In January, an airstrike in Zamfara state mistakenly killed civilians working in community security groups.
Nigeria’s military frequently conducts air raids to combat extremist groups that have destabilized the northern regions. However, these operations have resulted in significant civilian casualties. According to Lagos-based research firm SBM Intelligence, Nigerian military airstrikes have killed approximately 400 civilians since 2017.
In December 2023, more than 80 civilians were mistakenly killed during a religious gathering in Kaduna state. The Nigerian military later announced that two personnel would face a court martial over the killings in May 2024, but the investigation’s findings were never made public. Rights groups have criticized the government’s handling of such incidents, citing a persistent lack of transparency.
As investigations continue into the latest airstrike, officials face mounting pressure to ensure accountability and prevent further civilian casualties in ongoing counterinsurgency operations.
