CDHR Releases Statement On Borno Suicide Bombing
PRESS RELEASE BY THE COMMITTEE FOR THE DEFENCE OF HUMAN RIGHTS (CDHR)
Date:March 22, 2026
RE: DEADLY BOKO HARAM ATTACK IN BORNO STATE – OUTCOME OF CDHR NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (NEC) MEETING
The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, deliberated extensively on the recent deadly attack by suspected Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, particularly affecting communities in Gwoza Local Government Area and surrounding settlements.
Following these deliberations, CDHR unequivocally condemns the attack, which according to credible local reports, claimed no fewer than 35 civilian lives, left many others injured, and resulted in several abductions. Eyewitness accounts further revealed that the insurgents operated in large numbers and reportedly transported arms and ammunition using tricycles (keke), underscoring the alarming scale and coordination of the assault.
The NEC notes with grave concern that this incident constitutes a clear violation of the **right to life** as enshrined in Section 33 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended), as well as Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights and humanitarian law, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Geneva Conventions.
The Council expresses deep concern over the apparent failure of national security intelligence to detect and prevent such a large-scale operation. This raises serious issues regarding the efficiency, coordination, and accountability of the country’s intelligence and security architecture, and points to a possible breach of the State’s duty to protect its citizens.
Accordingly, the NEC of CDHR resolves and calls on the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to:
1. Institute an independent, transparent, and time-bound investigation into the intelligence and operational lapses surrounding this attack, with a view to ensuring public accountability.
2. Undertake a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s national security intelligence framework, including the adoption of modern surveillance technologies and strengthened inter-agency collaboration.
3. Ensure that all officers and institutions found culpable of negligence or dereliction of duty are held accountable in accordance with the law.
4. Provide urgent humanitarian assistance to affected communities, including emergency medical services, trauma counselling, and support for internally displaced persons.
5. Enhance the protection of civilians in conflict-prone areas through intelligence-driven deployment of security personnel and proactive security strategies.
6. Promote community-based intelligence gathering mechanisms that respect human rights and encourage cooperation between citizens and security agencies.
The NEC further urges relevant oversight institutions, including the National Human Rights Commission, to monitor developments and ensure that victims have access to justice and effective remedies.
CDHR reiterates that the protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of the State. The recurrence of such attacks reflects an urgent need for decisive reforms and sustained commitment to safeguarding human security in Nigeria.
The Committee stands in unwavering solidarity with the people of Borno State and all victims of insurgency, and will continue to advocate for justice, accountability, and the protection of fundamental human rights.
Signed:
Comrade Debo Adeniran
President and Secretary to the CDHR BoT
Comrade Deacon Jeremiah Onyibe
National Publicity Secretary CDHR
