CISLAC Condemns Airstrike on Borno–Yobe Market, Demands Probe

CISLAC Condemns Airstrike on Borno–Yobe Market, Demands Probe

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), in collaboration with Transparency International Nigeria, has condemned the reported airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force that allegedly hit a civilian market along the Borno–Yobe boundary, leaving dozens feared dead and several others injured.

In a statement issued on Monday by its Executive Director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa, the organisation described the incident as tragic and called for an immediate, transparent, and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the strike.

CISLAC expressed concern that the development reflects a recurring pattern of civilian casualties in counterterrorism operations, particularly in conflict-affected areas of the North-East.

“This tragic incident, which reportedly occurred during operations targeting insurgents, adds to a disturbing pattern of civilian harm,” the statement read. “We extend our condolences to the victims and their families and demand an urgent and credible investigation.”

The group noted that past incidents point to systemic challenges within military operations, including weak intelligence verification, limited precision-targeting capabilities, and operational pressure to deliver quick results.

According to CISLAC, airstrikes in insurgency-prone regions often rely on single-source or outdated intelligence, especially where armed groups operate within civilian populations.

“We find it disturbing that structural gaps such as poor intelligence validation and the urgency to neutralise threats often lower verification thresholds,” Rafsanjani said.

The organisation called for the establishment of an independent, civilian-led investigative panel involving the National Human Rights Commission, civil society groups, and international observers where necessary. It also demanded public disclosure of findings and accountability for any errors or negligence identified.

Beyond the investigation, CISLAC urged the government to provide compensation and support for victims and affected families.

It further recommended the adoption of a comprehensive Civilian Protection Framework to guide military operations, including mandatory civilian risk assessments before strikes and the creation of “no-strike lists” covering markets, hospitals, and religious centres.

The group also advocated the introduction of real-time abort mechanisms where civilian presence is detected, as well as the integration of global best practices in counterterrorism operations, such as multi-layered intelligence verification and enhanced civil-military coordination.

CISLAC stressed the need for technological upgrades in defence operations, including the deployment of surveillance drones with real-time video capabilities, precision-guided munitions, and improved communication systems linking air and ground units.

It also called on the National Assembly to strengthen oversight of military operations through regular hearings and mandatory reporting of civilian casualty incidents.

“Civilian protection is not optional; it is both a legal and moral obligation,” the statement added. “Operations that repeatedly result in civilian casualties are not only counterproductive but unsustainable.”

The organisation urged the Federal Government to urgently reform its operational procedures, training standards, and accountability mechanisms to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.