Nigerian Military Airstrike on Religious Festival Kills Scores of Civilians
In a tragic incident last month, the Nigerian military conducted an airstrike on a religious festival in the northern part of the country, resulting in the deaths of numerous Nigerian civilians. The attack took place during the celebration of Maulud, the birthday of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, and claimed the lives of over 120 villagers, according to Amnesty International. Shockingly, just thirty minutes later, the military launched a second missile, killing even more people, including those attempting to rescue victims of the initial strike.
Operational Error or Attack?
The Nigerian government has admitted that the airstrike was not intentional but rather an operational error that tragically resulted in the loss of innocent lives. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee echoed this sentiment, stating, “The Nigerians have admitted it was an operational error that tragically killed people in Kaduna State.” However, critics argue that there should be less focus on semantics and more effort to ensure accountability and prevent such mistakes from happening again.
A History of Civilian Casualties
Sadly, last month’s attack is not an isolated incident. Nigerian airstrikes have claimed the lives of thousands of civilians over the years. One notable example is the 2017 attack on a displaced persons camp in Rann, Nigeria, which killed over 160 civilians, many of them children. The Intercept revealed that this attack was referred to as an instance of “U.S.-Nigerian operations” in a formerly secret U.S. military document.
Growing Concerns and Controversial Deals
While it is unclear what type of drone was used in the December 2023 attack, it is evident that Nigeria has been responsible for a rising number of civilian casualties. This is particularly concerning as the United States has strengthened its military ties with Nigeria and approved the sale of attack aircraft and lethal munitions. The timing of the strike on Tudun Biri is noteworthy, as it occurred just two days before a group of senators urged the Biden administration to exercise greater oversight of Israel’s use of U.S.-provided weapons in Gaza.
Calls for Accountability and Human Rights
In light of these events, there have been growing calls for accountability and a reevaluation of the security relationship between the United States and Nigeria. Representatives Sara Jacobs and Chris Smith have both expressed concerns about the civilian casualties and urged a review of security assistance programs. It is crucial that both the United States and other countries providing security aid to Nigeria conduct thorough assessments of civilian harm risks and condition their assistance on concrete changes to rules of engagement and procedures.
A Propaganda Scheme and Cover-Up
Amnesty International has accused the Nigerian military of engaging in a cover-up and offering contradictory explanations for the December 2023 attack. The military has a long history of denying responsibility for strikes and has been accused of running a propaganda scheme to conceal the atrocities committed by its troops. This lack of transparency only exacerbates the pain and suffering endured by innocent civilians.
The Need for Scrutiny and Action
The airstrikes in Nigeria have resulted in a concerning pattern of deadly strikes, with civilians paying the heaviest price. It is imperative that there is increased scrutiny into the conduct of military operations by Nigeria’s air force. The Protection of Civilians in Conflict Caucus has called on Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to disclose details of the U.S. role in the 2017 airstrike on the displaced persons camp. The Biden administration has provided limited information, citing classification concerns.
Moving Forward
As U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken prepares for his trip to Nigeria, it is expected that he will address the airstrikes on Tudun Biri and engage in discussions about promoting and protecting human rights. The Nigerian government’s response to the December 2023 drone strike has been praised by Assistant Secretary of State Molly Phee, who commended their transparency and efforts to rebuild confidence. However, it is crucial that accountability and justice are prioritized to prevent further loss of innocent lives.
In conclusion, the Nigerian military’s airstrike on a religious festival has once again highlighted the need for greater scrutiny and accountability in military operations. The loss of civilian lives is a tragedy that cannot be ignored, and it is essential that steps are taken to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. The United States, as a key partner to Nigeria, must play a role in ensuring that human rights are upheld and civilian harm is minimized.