Airstrike Tragedy Sparks Outrage As CISLAC Demands Probe Into Civilian Deaths at Borno-Yobe Border
In Nigeria’s fight against insurgency, the growing toll on civilians is once again raising troubling questions about the cost of counterterrorism operations and the systems meant to protect innocent lives.
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), the Nigerian chapter of Transparency International, has condemned a reported Nigerian Air Force airstrike that hit a civilian market along the Borno-Yobe boundary, leaving dozens feared dead and many others injured.
Describing the incident as tragic and deeply concerning, CISLAC in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, said the strike, reportedly carried out during operations targeting insurgents, reflects a disturbing pattern of civilian harm in conflict-affected communities.
The organisation extended condolences to the victims and called for an immediate, transparent, and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack.
CISLAC identified recurring structural lapses in past incidents, including weak intelligence verification, reliance on outdated or single-source intelligence, and pressure on military units to deliver rapid results.
It warned that such conditions often lower verification thresholds, especially in volatile environments where insurgents blend with civilian populations.
The group is demanding the establishment of a credible, civilian-led investigative panel involving the National Human Rights Commission, civil society actors, and international observers where necessary.
It also called for public disclosure of findings, accountability for negligence, and adequate compensation and support for victims and their families.
Beyond the probe, CISLAC urged the military to adopt a comprehensive Civilian Protection Framework, including mandatory risk assessments before strikes, strict no-strike lists covering markets and hospitals, and real-time abort protocols when civilian presence is detected.
It further recommended adopting global best practices such as multi-layered intelligence verification, persistent surveillance, precision-guided munitions, and stronger civil-military coordination.
The organisation also emphasised the need for technological upgrades, including ISR drones with real-time feeds, enhanced communication systems, and improved intelligence analytics to reduce errors in targeting.
CISLAC stressed that civilian protection is both a legal and moral obligation, warning that repeated civilian casualties undermine the legitimacy and effectiveness of counterterrorism efforts.
It called on the Nigerian government to urgently reform operational, training, and accountability frameworks to prevent future tragedies.
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