The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has activated its Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation Cell following reports of a deadly airstrike at Jilli Market. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, April 11, 2026, reportedly left about 50 civilians dead and several others seriously wounded near the Borno-Yobe border.
While the military insists the location was a legitimate logistics hub for ISWAP terrorists, witness accounts suggest many victims were unarmed traders. Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame stated that the NAF treats all reports of civilian harm with utmost seriousness and empathy.
Growing concerns over repeated accidental bombings
This latest tragedy adds to a grim tally of accidental airstrikes that have claimed approximately 409 civilian lives since 2017. Previous incidents include the 2017 Rann IDP camp bombing and the 2023 Tudun Biri drone strike, which killed over 120 people during a religious festival.
In December 2024, a similar strike in Sokoto State killed ten villagers during an operation against the Lakurawa terror group. Despite military claims of acting on intelligence, these repeated “mistakes” have sparked nationwide outrage and calls for better precision in aerial warfare.
Public figures demand accountability and Senate hearings
Prominent Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, has reacted sharply to the Jilli Market incident, questioning who authorized the operation. He called on the Senate to conduct immediate hearings into the recurring bombings of markets and residential villages.
However, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, appeared to defend the military’s intelligence. He disclosed on Sunday that the targeted market had been officially shut down five years ago, implying it should not have been occupied by civilians.
Military maintains target was ISWAP logistics hub
The Northeast Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, maintained that the operation followed sustained intelligence and surveillance missions. Media Information Officer, Lt. Col. Sanni Uba, explained that security forces tracked motorcycles and gun trucks converging on the area.
The NAF investigation team is expected to visit the site immediately to verify the civilian casualty claims. Nigerians continue to demand improved intelligence gathering to prevent further loss of innocent lives during counter-insurgency operations.
