The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Sunday announce the probe of “possible civilian harm” in the airstrike conducted on Saturday, 11 April 2026 at a local market in Jilli axis of Gubio and Geidam areas of Yobe State and Borno State, Nigeria.
The airstrike was launched by Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK).
NAF Spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said in a statement that the Air Force “has taken note of reports alleging that an air strike conducted on Saturday, 11 April 2026, may have affected a local market in Jilli, resulting in civilian casualties. The Service treats all reports of possible civilian harm with the utmost seriousness and empathy, as the protection of innocent lives remains central to all NAF operations.
“In line with this commitment, the CAS has directed an immediate activation of the Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation Cell (CHAI-Cell) to immediately proceed to the location on a fact-finding mission on the allegation.
“The NAF remains firmly committed to professionalism, accountability, and transparency in the conduct of its missions, and will work closely with relevant authorities and community representatives to establish the facts. While this process is ongoing, the Service respectfully urges the public and the media to refrain from speculation and allow the review to proceed without prejudice.
“The Nigerian Air Force reassures all citizens of its steadfast resolve to protect both national security and civilian lives, while ensuring that every credible concern is addressed with the diligence and seriousness it deserves.”
Earlier, in an earlier statement titled ‘NAF AIR COMPONENT SUSTAINS PRESSURE ON TERRORISTS IN BORNO STATE WITH FOLLOW-UP STRIKES IN JILLI AXIS,’ Air Commodore Ejodame noted that the Air Force has “successfully executed precision follow-up mop-up air strikes on identified terrorist locations within the Jilli axis of Borno State.
“In a sustained demonstration of the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to counter-terrorism and the protection of innocent lives, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI in ongoing operations on 11 April 2026 successfully executed precision follow-up mop-up air strikes on identified terrorist locations within the Jilli axis of Borno State. The mission was conducted as part of a coordinated air-ground integration operation with the Nigerian Army, following an earlier successful engagement that effectively decimated terrorist positions in the area.
“Coming amid intensified efforts to track and neutralise terrorist elements responsible for recent attacks on security forces within the wider theatre, the follow-on strikes were aimed at fleeing remnants and regrouping cells seeking to exploit the difficult terrain. Acting on credible intelligence received through close coordination with relevant stakeholders and validated by the appropriate operational command, the operation further consolidated gains already achieved by friendly forces.
“This successful action highlights the growing effectiveness of intelligence-driven, joint force operations in denying terrorists freedom of movement and preventing attacks on both security positions and civilian communities. By sustaining pressure through immediate mop-up strikes after the initial coordinated assault, the Air Component has reinforced ongoing efforts to secure lives, protect property, and stabilise vulnerable areas across Borno State and the wider North-East theatre.
“The operation reflects the Nigerian Air Force’s unwavering resolve to maintain persistent surveillance, precision interdiction, and rapid response actions in support of national counter-terrorism objectives, while reassuring citizens of the Armed Forces’ steadfast commitment to restoring lasting peace and security.”
The incident, which occurred at the popular Jilli Market between Gubio and Geidam areas of Yobe State, reportedly left traders and residents in panic as explosions rocked the busy trading centre.
A Councillor in the area, Lawan Zannah, confirmed the casualty figures in a telephone interview with PUNCH Online on Sunday.
He said, “From the information available to us, it was an airstrike. Over 30 people have been confirmed dead, and more than 20 were hospitalised.”
Eyewitnesses said the attack occurred around 4:00 p.m. while commercial activities were ongoing, with several fighter jets reportedly involved in the operation.
One witness said, “I counted 56 corpses myself, more bodies are still being recovered.”
Sources indicated that the strike may have been aimed at suspected Boko Haram insurgents who allegedly gathered in the area, but the bombs reportedly hit the crowded market instead.
The weekly market draws traders from surrounding communities including Gubio, Chiweram, Benisheikh, Gurokayeya and Geidam.
The Special Adviser to the Yobe State Governor on Security Matters, Brigadier General Abdulsalam Dahiru (retd.), on Sunday confirmed the incident but said Jilli village falls within Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.
As of press time, the Nigerian Air Force had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
The Yobe State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Dungus Abdulkarim confirmed the development to PUNCH Online but said no official casualty figures were available as of the time of filing this report.
He added, “We are aware of the incident that occurred at Dilli Market along the Borno–Yobe border, and we are currently gathering information on what transpired. At this moment, we do not have confirmed casualty figures, as details are still being verified.
“Security agencies are on the ground assessing the situation, while efforts are ongoing to ensure proper documentation and response, after which the public will be duly informed with accurate and official updates.”
Dilli Market is known to attract traders and buyers from neighbouring communities, including Giedam in Yobe State, as well as Gubio, Chibok axis communities, and Benisheikh in Borno State.
According to local sources, the airstrike was carried out during a military operation targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents believed to be operating within the area.
“The insurgents usually come to the market to collect levies from traders and gather supplies,” a source told our correspondent.
Another source in Damaturu said the fighter jet was tracking suspected insurgents at the time of the strike but missed its intended target.
“At least 10 people were killed, while several others sustained injuries,” the source added.
Emergency response efforts were ongoing as of press time, with injured victims reportedly receiving treatment at hospitals in Giedam and Damaturu.
