Amnesty International has condemned a deadly airstrike in Yobe State, describing the incident as reckless and calling for an urgent, independent investigation into the reported mass civilian casualties.
The strike, which allegedly occurred at Jalli Futchimiram in Geidam Local Government Area, was said to have hit a local market during a military operation targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents.
Eyewitness accounts indicated that multiple military jets were involved in the operation, with the attack resulting in significant loss of life. Reports suggest that over 100 people may have been killed, while dozens of others sustained injuries.
Medical sources at the Geidam General Hospital confirmed receiving at least 35 severely injured victims following the incident, raising fears that the casualty figure could rise.
Reacting via its official communication channels, Amnesty International criticised the use of air power in civilian-populated areas, stating that such tactics fall short of acceptable law enforcement standards.
The organisation described the strike as a violation of international humanitarian principles and warned that it reflects a troubling disregard for civilian protection in conflict zones.
It called on Nigerian authorities to conduct a transparent and impartial investigation, ensuring accountability for any wrongdoing and justice for victims.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Air Force had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
The absence of immediate clarification has further heightened public concern, particularly given the scale of the reported casualties and the location of the strike within a civilian setting.
The latest incident adds to growing scrutiny of military operations in Nigeria’s North-East, where efforts to combat insurgency have at times resulted in unintended civilian harm.
Despite sustained offensives against insurgent groups, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province, the region continues to grapple with a fragile security environment.
Amnesty International insisted that accountability is critical to preventing future occurrences, urging the government to strengthen operational safeguards and ensure strict adherence to rules of engagement.
As attention turns to official responses, the incident underscores the delicate balance between combating insurgency and protecting civilian lives in conflict-affected regions.