Borno–Yobe Border, Nigeria — The Nigerian military has defended an airstrike on Jilli village market near the Borno–Yobe border, describing the location as a terrorist enclave, even as public anger intensifies over reports of civilian casualties.
The strike, carried out on Saturday under Operation HADIN KAI, has triggered widespread backlash. Local authorities, political leaders, and human rights groups have all condemned the incident, citing concerns over the growing number of reported deaths and the circumstances surrounding the attack.
According to local sources, more than 40 civilians were killed in the strike, though other reports suggest the figure could be significantly higher. The conflicting accounts have contributed to uncertainty, with no official consensus yet on the exact number of casualties.
Residents say the epicentre of the blast was Jilli village market, a busy hub near the Borno–Yobe border where traders and civilians had gathered at the time of the strike. Eyewitnesses described chaos and destruction in the aftermath, with many victims believed to be non-combatants.
Despite the outcry, the military has stood by its actions, insisting that the strike targeted a legitimate objective. Officials described Jilli as a known logistics hub and convergence point for fighters affiliated with the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), arguing that the operation was based on credible intelligence.
The incident has renewed calls for an independent investigation, as rights groups and community leaders demand accountability and clearer rules of engagement to prevent civilian harm.
As tensions rise, authorities say further assessments are ongoing to determine the full impact of the strike, while pressure mounts on the military to reconcile its claims with reports from the ground.