NAF Justifies Borno-Yobe Border Airstrike as “Based on Credible Intelligence” as Death Toll Rises at Jilli Market Sparks Outrage
Maiduguri – April 12, 2026 – The Nigerian Air Force has acknowledged carrying out air operations in the Jilli axis of Borno State, describing the strikes as “precision follow-up mop-up airstrikes” grounded in credible intelligence, even as reports of civilian deaths linked to a market bombing continue to rise.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, explained that the April 11, 2026 operation formed part of ongoing counter-terrorism campaigns under Operation Hadin Kai. PulseNets learned that the strikes were directed at suspected terrorist enclaves and insurgents attempting to escape in the Jilli area, a location along the volatile Borno-Yobe border.
The Nigerian Air Force stressed that the mission was executed “in close coordination with ground forces” and aimed at restricting terrorist mobility while preventing further assaults on both military positions and civilian populations.
However, the official statement did not address growing reports of civilian casualties at Jilli Market. PulseNets reported that eyewitness accounts and local authorities alleged that military aircraft struck a crowded weekly market on Saturday, resulting in multiple fatalities among traders and residents.
Rising Death Toll and Eyewitness Accounts
Accounts from local officials and residents present varying but deeply concerning casualty figures.
PulseNets learnt that a local councillor, Malam Lawan Zanna, confirmed at least 56 fatalities, with dozens more injured and transported to the Specialist Hospital in Geidam, Yobe State.
Further reports obtained by PulseNets, including accounts from international media and local witnesses, suggest the death toll may have exceeded 200. The incident has been described as “devastating,” with recovery efforts ongoing and bodies still being located.
The airstrike reportedly occurred during peak trading hours. PulseNets gathered that military jets were pursuing Boko Haram fighters believed to have infiltrated the market to collect levies and supplies. The operation, however, allegedly missed the intended targets and instead struck civilians.
Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, have called for an independent probe, describing the development as a “mistaken air force attack” that caused significant civilian casualties.
NAF Maintains Intelligence-Based Operation
The Air Force reiterated that its actions were intelligence-led and part of sustained efforts to weaken terrorist operations in Nigeria’s North-East. It neither confirmed nor denied hitting the market, choosing instead to highlight the effectiveness of the strikes against identified terrorist hideouts.
This incident adds to a pattern of disputed air operations in the region, where civilian casualty reports have repeatedly triggered concerns over intelligence precision and operational protocols in densely populated areas.
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As of press time, the Defence Headquarters has not issued a comprehensive response addressing the casualty figures or clarifying the circumstances surrounding the Jilli Market strike.
Meanwhile, affected communities continue to demand accountability, compensation, and concrete assurances to prevent a recurrence of such incidents as search and rescue operations persist.
