Nigerian Military Airstrikes: A History of Tragic Civilian Casualties

Since 2017, the Nigerian government has faced widespread criticism for Nigerian Military Airstrikes intended to target armed groups in the northern regions, which have inadvertently caused significant civilian casualties. Over 400 civilians have lost their lives due to these tragic misfires, highlighting systemic flaws in intelligence gathering and operational planning.

One of the most recent and devastating incidents occurred on January 13, 2025, in Zamfara State. An airstrike aimed at neutralizing rebel forces mistakenly targeted members of the Civilian Joint Task Force and local vigilantes, leading to at least 20 civilian deaths. This incident has reignited outrage among human rights organizations and local communities, demanding greater accountability from the military.

Factors Contributing to Nigerian Military Airstrikes | Errors Intelligence Flaws

Inaccurate or incomplete intelligence is a major factor behind these tragic incidents. Reports indicate that military operations often rely on outdated or faulty intelligence, leading to the misidentification of targets. For example, civilian gatherings mistaken for armed group meetings have been bombed, causing devastating loss of life.

The intelligence gaps stem from the difficulty of operating in remote and volatile regions, where reliable information is hard to come by. Despite technological advancements, the military’s dependence on ground-based intelligence—often provided by informants—has proven unreliable and prone to errors.

Operational and Coordination Issues in Nigerian Military Airstrikes

Another significant issue is the lack of effective coordination between ground forces and air units. Poor communication and planning have resulted in Military Airstrikes that are misaligned with on-the-ground realities. This disconnect not only increases the likelihood of errors but also hampers post-operation damage assessments.

Without real-time coordination and oversight, the risk of civilian harm remains high. Military experts have called for better integration of drone surveillance and satellite imagery to enhance situational awareness during operations.

The tactics employed by armed groups further complicate military operations. Insurgents and bandits often embed themselves within civilian populations or use non-combatants as human shields, making it exceedingly difficult to distinguish between combatants and civilians. This deliberate blurring of lines exploits the military’s rules of engagement and contributes to collateral damage.

Notable Incidents of Civilian Casualties Rann, Borno State (January 2017)

An airstrike targeting Boko Haram fighters mistakenly struck a camp for displaced persons, resulting in over 160 civilian deaths. The military later admitted the error, attributing it to faulty intelligence.

Damboa, Borno State (June 2021)

A wedding celebration was tragically disrupted when an airstrike intended for insurgents hit civilians. At least 20 people were killed, prompting widespread condemnation and demands for an investigation.

Niger State (April 2022)

An operation targeting bandits in a forest inadvertently struck a local market, causing over 30 civilian deaths. Despite promises of an inquiry, no findings were released, further eroding public trust.

Yobe State (September 2022)

A bombing mission aimed at suspected insurgents mistakenly hit a school, killing students and staff. The incident led to renewed calls for oversight and reform in military operations.

Zamfara State (January 2025)

In the latest incident, vigilantes assisting local security forces became unintended victims of an airstrike. At least 20 civilians died, with the military acknowledging the mistake but offering little in terms of actionable reform.

Broader Implications and Calls for Reform of Nigerian Military Airstrikes

These recurring incidents have profoundly impacted public trust in the Nigerian military. Human rights organizations have consistently called for stronger safeguards to minimize civilian casualties, including enhanced training for personnel, improved intelligence systems, and greater transparency in military operations.

Advocates also stress the need for independent investigations into airstrike errors and public disclosure of findings. The lack of accountability has fueled frustration among affected communities, undermining efforts to build local support for counterinsurgency operations.

The Path Forward

The Nigerian military faces a critical juncture. Addressing these systemic flaws requires substantial investment in advanced technology, better training, and stronger community engagement. Without meaningful reform, the cycle of civilian casualties will likely continue, with devastating consequences for both local populations and the military’s credibility.