Nigeria’s air war under fire after hundreds of civilian deaths

Nigeria’s military operations against insurgents and bandits have come under renewed scrutiny following reports that more than 400 unarmed civilians have been killed in accidental airstrikes since 2017.

While the military has consistently maintained that its operations are aimed strictly at terrorist targets, multiple incidents over the years suggest that civilians have, at times, paid a tragic price.

One of the earliest and most devastating cases occurred on January 17, 2017, when aAhmad Gumi jet mistakenly bombed an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Rann, Borno State, near the Cameroonian border. The strike left at least 115 people dead, including humanitarian workers, and injured over 100 others, drawing widespread international condemnation.

Similar tragedies have followed. On December 25, 2024, airstrikes targeting the Lakurawa terror group in Sokoto State reportedly hit Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities, killing at least 10 villagers. Although the military initially disputed the claims, Governor Ahmed Aliyu later confirmed the casualties, describing the incident as a mistake during an anti-terror operation.

In December 2023, a drone strike in Tudun Biri village, Kaduna State, struck civilians gathered for a Muslim festival. According to Amnesty International, no fewer than 120 people were killed in the blast, sparking outrage across the country.

Earlier, on December 18, 2022, an air raid in Mutumji village, Zamfara State, reportedly killed at least 64 civilians after targeting armed bandits. Another incident on January 24, 2023, in Nasarawa State allegedly claimed about 50 herders, with the military stating it acted on intelligence of terrorist activity in the area.

The most recent controversy stems from an April 11, 2026 airstrike on Jilli Market in Yobe State, where about 50 civilians were reportedly killed. Military authorities, however, insist the location was a legitimate target, describing it as a known logistics hub for ISWAP fighters.

In response to the allegations, the Nigerian Air Force said it has launched an investigation. Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame confirmed that the Chief of Air Staff has activated the Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation Cell to determine the facts surrounding the incident.

The development has triggered public outrage and renewed calls for accountability. Prominent Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi questioned the chain of command behind such operations and urged the Senate to probe what he described as recurring “mistakes” involving civilian populations.

Meanwhile, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum defended the military’s position, stating that the Jilli Market had been shut down for several years, suggesting it may have been repurposed by insurgents.

As pressure mounts, many Nigerians are demanding improved intelligence, stricter operational safeguards, and greater transparency to prevent further civilian casualties in the fight against insecurity