Airstrike in Zamfara State, Nigeria (May 2026)

A military airstrike on a market in Zamfara State, Nigeria, has triggered international condemnation from human rights organizations and the United Nations amid allegations that numerous civilians were killed. Amnesty International claims that at least 100 civilians lost their lives in the strike, while the Nigerian military has denied reports of civilian casualties.

The attack occurred at the Tumfa market in the Zurmi local government area of Zamfara State in northwestern Nigeria. The region is known as one of the epicenters of a security crisis marked in recent years by armed gangs, kidnappings for ransom, and armed raids.

Armed groups operating in northern Nigeria frequently launch attacks on villages, abduct civilians, and create widespread security challenges in rural areas. The country also faces a multi-layered security threat from Boko Haram and other jihadist organizations.

According to a statement by Amnesty International, the Nigerian military carried out an airstrike on the Tumfa market on 10 May. The statement reported that at least 100 civilians, including women and children, were killed and dozens more injured.

Local sources and Red Cross officials have also confirmed that many civilians were killed in the attack. Red Cross official Ibrahim Bello Garba stated that civilians in the area live under constant threat from armed groups and described the security situation as critical.

Local community representatives noted that while armed individuals were also present at the market, the strike hit an area densely populated by civilians. Injured individuals have been taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Amnesty International has called for an independent investigation into the strike. The organization stated that airstrikes targeting civilians are “unlawful and unacceptable.”

Amnesty also emphasized that civilians in northern Nigeria have long been caught between military operations and attacks by armed groups. The statement highlighted that civilians bear the heaviest burden of these conflicts.

The Nigerian military has rejected claims that civilians were killed in the strike. Military spokesperson Major General Michael Onoja argued that media reports of civilian deaths were “not true.”

In a separate statement to Associated Press, the military confirmed the airstrike but stated that there was “no verifiable evidence” of civilian casualties.

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk expressed being “shocked” by reports of the attack. Türk noted that reports of numerous civilian deaths in the airstrike on the Zamfara market have raised serious concerns.

The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights reminded Nigeria of its obligations to protect civilians and called for a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

The Zamfara attack is not the first incident in recent times where civilians have been alleged to have been targeted. In April 2026, the Nigerian military reportedly conducted a mistaken airstrike on the Jilli market near the border of Yobe and Borno states, killing over 100 people.

Several incidents in recent years have involved civilian deaths during military airstrikes across the country, fueling debates over the accuracy of targeting procedures and the protection of civilians during military operations.

Nigeria has long faced severe security challenges due to attacks by jihadist groups and armed banditry. In particular, raids on villages, mass kidnappings, and armed clashes have become widespread in the northwestern regions.

The government has responded with airstrikes and military interventions. However, human rights organizations argue that these operations have at times resulted in severe civilian casualties and that accountability mechanisms remain inadequate.