Amnesty International has called on Nigerian authorities to conduct an immediate and impartial investigation into an airstrike that reportedly killed at least 20 people in Tungar Kara village, Maradun Local Government Area, on Saturday evening.

Reports reveal that the airstrike hit a densely populated area, leaving many victims in critical condition. The incident is the latest in a series of controversial military operations targeting banditry-prone areas in Nigeria’s northwest.

Amnesty International, in a statement shared on its official X handle, described the strike as unlawful and outrageous. “Launching air raids is not a legitimate law enforcement method by anyone’s standard. Such reckless use of deadly force is unlawful, outrageous and lays bare the Nigerian military’s shocking disregard for the lives of those it supposedly exists to protect,” the organization stated.

Observers have linked this attack to a troubling trend of military operations causing mass civilian casualties in northern Nigeria. Just weeks earlier, on Christmas Day, airstrikes targeted two communities in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State, leading to significant loss of life and displacement.

Amnesty International urged the government to adopt strategies prioritizing civilian protection while addressing insecurity.

“We demand justice for the victims and a comprehensive review of military tactics to prevent further tragedies,” the statement concluded.

The Nigerian military is yet to comment on this incidence as at press time.