One of the victims of the reported airstrike receiving treatment at the hospital.
Several persons are feared dead and many others injured following a suspected accidental airstrike on a busy market in northeastern Nigeria.
The incident reportedly occurred at Jilli Market near Fuchimiram Village in Yobe State, a border community close to Damasak in Borno State. The area falls within Geidam Local Government Area, over 200 kilometres from Damaturu, the Yobe State capital.
Local sources said the strike happened on Saturday while traders were conducting normal business activities. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and confusion as casualties mounted.
An eyewitness who visited the Geidam Specialist Hospital said the facility’s Accident and Emergency unit had been overwhelmed, with many victims receiving urgent medical attention as more injured persons continued to arrive.
Another resident alleged that a military fighter jet had been tracking suspected Boko Haram insurgents believed to have entered the market area to collect levies before the incident occurred.
Despite the reports, both the Yobe and Borno state governments are yet to officially confirm the incident or provide casualty figures.
Air Force Confirms Operations
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has, however, confirmed carrying out air operations in the area, though it did not acknowledge any civilian casualties.
In a statement signed by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Ehimen Ejodame, the Air Force said it conducted precision follow-up “mop-up” strikes on April 11, 2026, targeting terrorist positions within the Jilli axis of Borno State.
According to the NAF, the operation was part of a coordinated mission with the Nigerian Army under Operation HADIN KAI, aimed at neutralising fleeing insurgents and dismantling regrouping cells.
The statement noted that the strikes were based on credible intelligence and intended to deny terrorists freedom of movement, prevent attacks on security forces, and protect civilian communities.
However, the Air Force did not address reports of civilian casualties or confirm whether the market was affected.
Awaiting Official Confirmation
As of the time of filing this report, authorities have yet to verify the claims made by residents, leaving uncertainty over the exact number of casualties and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The development comes amid ongoing military offensives in the North-East, where security forces continue efforts to curb insurgent activities and restore stability in affected communities.
Operations in Lagos State led to the interception of a commercial bus carrying 15 kilograms of “Scottish Loud,” as well as the seizure of 26,800 bottles of codeine-based syrup in a separate raid in Mushin.
In Edo State, operatives made one of the largest seizures, intercepting two trucks loaded with a combined 7,245 kilograms of skunk concealed among cartons of beer, resulting in the arrest of five suspects.
NDLEA Chairman, Mohamed Buba Marwa, commended the officers for their efforts, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to both enforcement and prevention. He emphasised the importance of sustained public awareness under the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign to curb both supply and demand nationwide.
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