Comment By UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk After Dozens Of Civilians Said Killed In Nigerian, Chadian Airstrikes

Geneva, 13 May 2026

I am shocked by reports that Nigerian army airstrikes on a market in the northeastern Zamfara state killed at least 100 civilians on 10 May and injured many more. I am also alarmed and saddened by reports that dozens of fishermen were killed in recent Chadian military airstrikes in northwestern Nigeria.

It is crucial that both Nigerian and Chadian authorities conduct prompt, thorough, independent and impartial investigations into these disturbing incidents and ensure that those responsible for any violations are held to account, in accordance with international standards.

I urgently call on both militaries to take all feasible precautions to avoid harm to civilians. Their military operations, including against Boko Haram and the so-called “Islamic State West Africa Province” must be conducted in full compliance with international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Civilians and civilian objects must never be the target of attack.

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