Airstrike Tragedy Sparks Outrage: CISLAC Demands Probe into Borno–Yobe Civilian Killings
By Ayeeshat J.Ahmad
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), in collaboration with Transparency International Nigeria, has strongly condemned a reported Nigerian Air Force airstrike that allegedly hit a civilian market along the Borno–Yobe boundary, leaving dozens feared dead and many others injured.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), the organisation described the incident as tragic and deeply concerning, particularly as it reportedly occurred during operations targeting insurgents.
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CISLAC noted that the development adds to a troubling pattern of civilian casualties linked to counterterrorism operations in conflict-affected areas, raising serious questions about operational safeguards and accountability mechanisms.
“This tragic incident adds to a disturbing pattern of civilian harm in counterterrorism operations, including previous accidental airstrikes in affected communities,” the statement said.
The organisation extended condolences to victims and affected families while calling for an urgent, transparent, and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the strike.
According to CISLAC, recurring structural gaps—such as weak intelligence verification, lack of precision targeting capacity, and pressure on military units to deliver rapid results—have contributed to repeated civilian harm during operations.
The group explained that airstrikes in insurgency-prone areas often rely on single-source or outdated intelligence, especially in environments where insurgents operate within civilian populations, increasing the risk of fatal errors.
“Military units under constant pressure to neutralize insurgents quickly may lower verification thresholds, leading to devastating consequences,” the statement added.
As part of its demands, CISLAC called for the establishment of a credible, civilian-led investigative panel involving the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), civil society actors, and international observers where necessary, to ensure transparency and accountability.
The organisation also urged the government to publicly disclose findings from the investigation, hold those responsible accountable, and provide adequate compensation and support to victims and their families.
Beyond immediate accountability, CISLAC recommended the adoption of a comprehensive Civilian Protection Framework to guide military operations, including mandatory civilian risk assessments before airstrikes and the creation of “no-strike lists” covering markets, hospitals, and religious centres.
It further emphasized the need for real-time abort mechanisms when civilian presence is detected, as well as stronger civil-military coordination, particularly with local intelligence networks.
The group advised Nigerian authorities to adopt global best practices in counterterrorism operations, such as multi-layered intelligence verification, persistent surveillance before engagement, and improved coordination with community-based groups like the Civilian Joint Task Force.
CISLAC also highlighted the need for technological upgrades in defence systems, including the deployment of ISR drones with real-time video feeds, precision-guided munitions, and secure communication systems linking air and ground intelligence units.
In addition, the organisation called for stronger civilian oversight, urging the National Assembly to conduct regular hearings on military operations and enforce mandatory reporting of civilian casualty incidents.
“Civilian protection is not optional but a legal and moral obligation in every counterterrorism operation,” CISLAC stressed, warning that repeated civilian casualties could undermine public trust and weaken the overall fight against insurgency.
The organisation concluded by urging the Nigerian government to urgently reform its operational, training, and accountability frameworks to prevent such incidents from becoming a recurring feature of military operations.
Pulse Time Nigeria reports that the incident has renewed concerns over the conduct of security operations in Nigeria’s conflict zones, with growing calls for accountability, improved intelligence systems, and stronger protection of civilian lives.