Nigerian army blamed for new deadly airstrike

A deadly military airstrike in Kaduna State, Nigeria, on September 27 claimed the lives of 24 people and injured dozens of others, according to media reports, which stated that the attack was aimed at criminal gangs popularly called bandits, but that others were killed instead. This incident follows a series of erroneous military airstrikes that have killed hundreds of people since 2017.

Despite repeated calls for justice, accountability and transparency, as well as demands for improvements in military operations to prevent such attacks, little has changed and the military continues to face accusations of further mishaps.

Both the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Army have been involved in erroneous air strikes. In 2023, Human Rights Watch documented two major incidents: one in Nasarawa State, where an air force airstrike killed 39 people in January, and another in Kaduna State in December, when an army airstrike during an religious celebration resulted in 85 deaths.

Although the Air Force has apologized for the airstrike on Nasarawa, some compensation has yet to be made for the victims and their families. Similarly, the military has failed to provide meaningful updates on an investigation it claimed to have conducted, which reportedly led to the indictment of two officers involved in the Kaduna airstrike.

Victims of previous airstrikes continue to wait for elusive justice, while the military is accused of yet more judicial malpractices. strikes in 2024. In April, reports noted an airstrike in Zamfara state that killed 33 people.

In response to last week’s airstrike, the Air Force said the attack was based on credible intelligence from multiple reliable sources, as well as corroborative surveillance of the target area. They also announced that a thorough investigation is underway to determine the facts and that they will provide updates to the public in due course. Authorities must ensure that they conduct transparent and credible investigations into the incident and provide a detailed report of the findings to the public. As part of this, they must also explain the rules governing the use of lethal force, including airstrikes.

Erroneous airstrikes in Nigeria expose a critical lapse in military accountability and operational protocols. Without decisive action, communities will continue to suffer. A comprehensive review of military practices is needed to protect civilians and ensure real accountability for those responsible. The time for action is now; the lives lost demand it.