The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has launched an investigation into reports of civilian casualties following an airstrike allegedly carried out on Jilli Market along the Borno–Yobe border, amid claims that dozens of traders and residents were killed during the incident.
The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday during peak trading hours at the weekly market, which sits between Gubio and Geidam local government areas. Eyewitnesses and local officials said the market was crowded at the time, with buyers and sellers from surrounding communities engaged in commercial activities.
According to multiple local accounts, the strike was part of a military operation targeting suspected insurgents, but reports suggest that the intended targets may have been missed, affecting civilians instead. Some sources claimed that fighter jets had been tracking suspected insurgents believed to have visited the market earlier to collect supplies.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and destruction, with explosions hitting the market area while people attempted to flee. One witness said dozens of bodies were recovered and many more injured individuals were taken to nearby hospitals, raising fears that the death toll could be higher than initially reported.
Local officials, including representatives from Geidam LGA, confirmed that the incident occurred in the Jilli area, although there is some dispute over its administrative jurisdiction between Borno and Yobe states. Health facilities in the region reportedly received multiple casualties, with several critically injured patients referred for further treatment.
Human rights organisation Amnesty International condemned the incident, claiming that over 100 people may have died and calling for accountability over the military operation.
In response, the Nigerian Air Force stated that it has activated a Civilian Harm Investigation Cell to determine what happened, stressing that it treats all allegations of civilian harm seriously and remains committed to transparency, professionalism, and protecting civilian lives.
The Air Force also urged the public and media to avoid speculation while investigations are ongoing and assured that findings will be communicated once the review is completed.
