Airstrike kills terrorists at Jilli market amid civilian casualty fears

An airstrike on Jilli market, a boundary community between Borno and Yobe states, has killed many suspected terrorists but also raised fears of heavy civilian casualties.

The Nigerian Air Force confirmed that its Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai carried out precision follow up strikes on Saturday evening against what it described as a terrorist logistics hub in the Jilli axis. Military authorities said the operation followed sustained intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance over the Bindul Jilli corridor, a known route for Islamic State West Africa Province fighters using gun trucks and motorcycles.

According to the Joint Task Force, the airstrike neutralised scores of insurgents and destroyed their vehicles and supplies, disrupting planned attacks on troops in the area.

However, local accounts suggest that a busy market frequented by traders was hit during the operation, with many civilians feared dead and several others injured. Witnesses said the market was bustling at the time and claimed that fleeing insurgents ran into the crowd shortly before the bombs fell.

Medical workers at Geidam Specialist Hospital in Yobe State said they were overwhelmed by casualties and had to move many of the injured to the Specialist Hospital in Damaturu for further treatment. A hospital source said the emergency ward was full and some victims were being treated inside vehicles.

Other injured persons were reportedly taken to health centres in nearby communities, including parts of Borno State. While some reports spoke of scores of deaths, officials said the exact number of casualties was still unclear.

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum described Jilli market as a notorious hub used by insurgents and their logistics suppliers. In a statement issued by his media aide Dauda Iliya, he said the Borno government closed Jilli and Gazabure markets five years ago because of security concerns and is working closely with Yobe State and the military on the incident.

Zulum warned residents against aiding, harbouring or providing logistical support to Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting law abiding citizens and coordinating with security agencies before any community resettlement or reopening of markets in areas affected by insurgency.

Air Force spokesman Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame confirmed the strike and said the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has ordered an immediate investigation into reports of possible civilian harm.

He said the Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation Cell has been activated to conduct a fact finding mission, stressing that the Nigerian Air Force treats all allegations of civilian casualties with seriousness and empathy and remains committed to professionalism, accountability and transparency. He urged the public and media to avoid speculation while the investigation is ongoing.

The Jilli strike came shortly after insurgents attacked a military camp in Benishekh, Borno State, where a brigade under Operation Hadin Kai was targeted. Two officers and two soldiers were killed before troops repelled the assault, and the brigade commander is believed to be among the dead.

Theatre Command authorities said a key logistics courier known as Turja Bulu was arrested on April 12 in Ngamdu. The suspect allegedly confessed to taking part in the April 9 Benishekh attack and to supplying logistics to insurgents operating in the Magumeri Gubio axis.

The command also reiterated the ban on motorcycles across the Northeast operational theatre, noting that insurgents frequently use them for movement and supply runs.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticised the reported civilian casualties, describing the incident as a tragic failure that raises serious questions about civilian protection in security operations.

He asked why innocent Nigerians continue to be caught as collateral damage while authorities target insurgents and called for an urgent review of operational strategies and full accountability. Atiku extended condolences to affected families and urged concrete steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Meanwhile, the army reported wider gains in nationwide operations against terrorism and other crimes. In an update, it said troops had neutralised many terrorists, arrested more than 60 suspects and rescued at least 50 kidnapped victims in coordinated missions across several regions.

In the Northeast, Operation Hadin Kai forces destroyed insurgent logistics bases, apprehended suspected informants and seized cash, fuel, phones and communication devices. In Adamawa, soldiers raided criminal hideouts, arresting 20 suspects and freeing kidnapped victims.

Operations in the Northwest and Northcentral, including Sokoto, Kebbi, Plateau and Kogi states, led to the dismantling of bandit enclaves, recovery of rustled cattle and the prevention of planned attacks on communities. In Kogi, a suspect attempting to escape during interrogation was neutralised, while several hideouts linked to armed groups were destroyed.

In the Southsouth, troops under Operation Delta Safe foiled a kidnapping attempt in Delta State, rescued victims and recovered ransom money and vehicles. They also intercepted suspected oil vandals at a facility in Sapele as part of efforts to curb crude oil theft.