The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, in collaboration with Transparency International Nigeria, has called for an urgent investigation into a reported airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force that allegedly hit a civilian market along the Borno and Yobe boundary, leaving dozens feared dead and several others injured.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Executive Director Auwal Musa Rafsanjani expressed concern over what he described as a recurring pattern of civilian casualties during counterterrorism operations, warning that such incidents point to systemic shortcomings.

The organisation extended condolences to victims and their families while demanding a swift, transparent and independent probe into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

CISLAC said available evidence from past cases suggests persistent operational gaps, including weak intelligence verification, limited precision targeting and pressure on military units to deliver rapid results, which may lower safeguards against civilian harm.

It called for the establishment of a credible civilian led investigative panel involving the National Human Rights Commission, civil society groups and international observers where necessary, alongside public disclosure of findings and accountability for any errors or negligence.

The group also urged compensation and support for affected victims and their families, stressing that justice must be both transparent and restorative.

In addition, CISLAC recommended the adoption of stronger civilian protection measures, including mandatory risk assessments before strikes, enforcement of no strike lists covering markets, hospitals and religious sites, and real time abort mechanisms when civilian presence is detected.

It further advocated the use of improved intelligence systems, surveillance technology and precision guided weapons, as well as enhanced coordination between military and local communities.

The organisation emphasised the need for stronger legislative oversight, urging the National Assembly to enforce regular reviews of military operations and ensure mandatory reporting of civilian casualty incidents.

CISLAC maintained that protecting civilians must remain central to all counterterrorism strategies, warning that repeated civilian harm undermines both the legitimacy and effectiveness of security operations.

It also called on the Federal Government to urgently reform military operational frameworks to prevent future occurrences.