United Nations calls for investigation into fatal bombings in Nigeria's north

The United Nations is calling on Nigerian and Chadian authorities to launch investigations into military airstrikes that allegedly resulted in civilian fatalities in northern Nigeria.

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Farhan Haq, the United Nations deputy spokesperson, made this appeal during a news conference in New York on Wednesday.

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Haq expressed the organization's concern, stating that they share the alarm and shock of UN Human Rights Chief, Volker Türk, over reports of civilian deaths in the region.

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According to reports, Nigerian airstrikes on a market in Zamfara on May 10 allegedly claimed the lives of at least 100 civilians.

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In a separate incident, Chadian military strikes reportedly killed dozens of fishermen in northwestern Nigeria, exacerbating humanitarian concerns.

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Haq emphasized that both governments must conduct prompt, independent, and impartial investigations into these incidents.

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He also stressed that those responsible for any violations must be held accountable and that both militaries must take all necessary precautions to protect civilians.

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Nigeria's Defence Headquarters has disputed reports of civilian casualties following a recent joint operation in Zamfara, with Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja stating that troops targeted terrorist leaders at Tumfa village in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara.

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Onoja claimed that the reported casualty figures are speculative, unverified, and inconsistent with official military assessments.

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He assured that the Armed Forces remain committed to upholding accountability, professionalism, and protecting civilians during operations.