The Nigerian military has defended the recent airstrike carried out near Jilli village market along the Borno–Yobe border under Operation HADIN KAI, maintaining that the mission targeted a terrorist enclave linked to ISWAP despite growing reports of civilian casualties and mounting public outrage.
Local sources initially estimated the death toll at over 40 civilians, while other reports indicate significantly higher figures. Amnesty International claimed that more than 100 people may have been killed and described the strike as “reckless,” calling for an independent investigation. Some local officials and residents have suggested the toll may be even higher.
In a statement, Lt. Col. Sanni Uba said the operation was “carefully, well-coordinated, planned, and intelligence-driven,” based on surveillance that identified Jilli as a logistics hub used by terrorists for moving motorcycles and gun trucks.
He added that intelligence and aerial surveillance confirmed the presence of “terrorist elements, their collaborators, and logistics handlers” before the strike, noting that scores of terrorists were neutralised and their vehicles destroyed.
The military linked the operation to previous attacks in the region, including the killing of eight soldiers and recent coordinated assaults in Ngamdu and Benisheik.
However, the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency said preliminary findings showed civilians, including traders from Geidam, were among those affected in what officials described as an accidental strike. Injured victims are currently receiving treatment in hospitals across Yobe and Borno States.
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum stated that the market had officially been closed for years and warned residents against collaborating with insurgents.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force has activated its Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation Cell to investigate the incident, pledging professionalism, accountability, and transparency in the review process.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the strike, describing it as a “devastating failure” and demanding urgent reforms to prevent further civilian harm.
Security analysts have also called for improved intelligence gathering, stricter target verification, and compensation for victims, warning that repeated lapses in civilian protection continue to undermine counter-insurgency efforts in the North-East.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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