The Nigerian military has defended a controversial airstrike on Jilli market along the Borno State–Yobe State border, insisting the target was a terrorist enclave, even as outrage grows over reports of civilian casualties.
The strike, carried out on Saturday under Operation HADIN KAI, has drawn condemnation from local authorities, political leaders, and rights groups amid conflicting accounts of the death toll.
Conflicting Casualty Figures
Local sources put the number of civilians killed at over 40, while other reports suggest significantly higher figures. A local official, Lawan Zannah, claimed that as many as 200 people may have died, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the incident.
The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency confirmed that civilians, including traders from Geidam, were affected, describing the घटना as an accidental airstrike and noting that emergency response teams had been deployed.
Military Justifies Strike
Defending the operation, the Northeast Joint Task Force said the location was a known logistics hub for insurgents linked to Islamic State West Africa Province.
According to Lt. Col. Sanni Uba, the strike followed sustained intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions that tracked suspicious movements of motorcycles and gun trucks converging on the area.
He stated that the air component executed “precision strikes” after confirming the target through multiple intelligence sources, adding that several insurgents were neutralised and their equipment destroyed.
The military said the operation disrupted imminent attacks on troops and degraded insurgent capabilities in the region.
Government, Leaders React
Babagana Zulum said Jilli market had long been identified as a hub for insurgents and had been officially closed by the state government years ago. He urged residents not to support or trade with insurgent groups.
Similarly, Yobe State authorities acknowledged that the strike targeted a Boko Haram stronghold but admitted that civilians were inadvertently affected. Injured victims are reportedly receiving treatment in hospitals.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar condemned the incident, calling it a “devastating failure” and questioning the value placed on Nigerian lives. He urged accountability and reforms to prevent future occurrences.
Rights Groups, Experts Demand Probe
Amnesty International described the strike as “reckless” and called for an independent investigation, alleging that over 100 people may have been killed based on witness accounts.
In response, the Nigerian Air Force said it had launched a probe into the allegations, activating its Civilian Harm Investigation Cell to establish the facts.
Security experts, including Kabir Adamu, called for improved intelligence gathering, stricter targeting protocols, and compensation for victims. They stressed the need for reforms to minimise civilian harm during military operations.
Ongoing Concerns
Analysts say the incident underscores the complexities of asymmetric warfare, where insurgents often operate within civilian populations, making target identification difficult.
The latest tragedy comes weeks after a similar airstrike in Borno State reportedly killed dozens, intensifying concerns over civilian safety in Nigeria’s counterinsurgency operations.
As investigations continue, the incident has reignited debate over military tactics, accountability, and the urgent need to balance security operations with the protection of civilian lives.
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