By Suleiman Anyalewechi
The Amnesty International, AI, has raised the alarm that the Nigerian Military is fast acquiring a notoriety for hitting more of civilian targets than those insurgents in its operations
This is even as it called for an immediate probe of the alleged killing of no fewer than 10 civilians in an airstrike in Zakka community, Safana Local Council of Katsina on Sunday, February 16, 2025.
In a statement issued on its official site, the AI Nigeria, while condemning the attack, noted with regret, that recent airstrikes across some parts of the terrorists prone areas in the country have ended up recording more civilian casualties.
According to the group, it is gradually becoming, an emerging and disturbing pattern in the human rights violation records of the Nigerian Military, to be targeting innocent civilians during airstrikes.
The Amnesty International has, therefore, called on the Nigerian authorities to, as a matter of urgency, take decisive actions to stem the ugly trend.
“Airstrikes with high numbers of unlawful killings have become the latest in a long list of gross human rights violations perpetrated by the Nigerian military.
“The Nigerian authorities must give clear directives to the military to always prioritize and respect human rights”, the AI noted..
As at the time of reporting, neither the Katsina state Government, nor the Military High Command has reacted to the Organization’s accusation concerning the alleged ill-fated airstrike.
But Safana Local Government is one of the strong holds of terrorists in Katsina.
Unconfirmed reports have suggested that the airstrike may have been part of the wider operational plans of the military to free one of its own, Major General Tsiga.
The retired General and former Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, was abducted by gun men about two weeks ago, and has since remained in captivity.
His abductors ,who have since placed a whooping N250 million on his head are strongly believed to be holding out within the Safana Council.
The military top hierarchies are said to have issued a marching order for him to be rescued at all costs.
However, AI accusations are coming after some recent mistaken airstrikes in Sokoto and Kebbi States communities left in their trail about 25 deaths, as well as the destruction of properties worth several millions of Naira.
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