The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly condemned a recent Nigerian Air Force airstrike at Jilli Market along the Borno–Yobe axis, alleging that the incident resulted in the deaths of over 200 civilians, mostly traders, with several others injured.
In a statement issued on April 13, 2026, HURIWA described the incident as part of a troubling pattern of military air operations that have led to civilian casualties across Nigeria over the past decade.
The group cited previous incidents, including the 2017 bombing of an internally displaced persons camp in Rann, Borno State, and the 2023 drone strike in Tudun Biri, Kaduna State, among others, arguing that these repeated occurrences point to systemic failures in intelligence gathering, target verification, and operational discipline.
HURIWA stated that such incidents could no longer be dismissed as accidents, warning that recurring errors of this magnitude amount to institutional negligence and violations of the right to life.
“The Jilli airstrike represents a catastrophic failure of state responsibility and underscores the vulnerability of civilians,” the group said.
The organisation called on the Federal Government to establish an independent and transparent investigation into the incident, involving bodies such as the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), civil society organisations, and other independent observers.
Among its key demands, HURIWA urged the government to provide ₦200 billion in compensation to victims’ families, ensure medical care and rehabilitation for survivors, and issue a formal apology to affected communities.
The group also called for a comprehensive review of military airstrike protocols, including stricter intelligence verification processes, improved training, and the adoption of advanced targeting technologies to minimise civilian harm.
Additionally, HURIWA advocated for the establishment of a national civilian protection policy to guide security operations and prevent future tragedies.
The organisation warned that failure to address these concerns could further erode public trust and undermine national security efforts, stressing that civilian lives must not be treated as collateral damage.
As of the time of this report, there has been no official response from the Nigerian military regarding the allegations or the demands raised.
