Conflicting accounts emerge after deadly military air strikes in northeast Nigeria.
The Yobe State Government has defended recent military air strikes, saying Jilli community is a known Boko Haram stronghold, amid reports of civilian casualties.
Security Adviser Brigadier General Dahiru Abdulsalam (retd.) clarified that the incident occurred in Jilli, a border area in Borno State, not Yobe. He described the location as a base for insurgents, backing the military’s action.
Earlier, Babagana Zulum also labeled Jilli market a hub for insurgents and logistics suppliers. He noted that the market had been officially shut down five years ago due to security concerns.
However, Amnesty International raised alarm over the strike, alleging that more than 100 people may have been killed. The group said dozens of injured victims were taken to Geidam General Hospital, intensifying concerns about civilian impact.
In response, the Nigerian Air Force confirmed it has launched an investigation into the incident. The agency stated it takes reports of civilian harm “with the utmost seriousness” and pledged to review the operation.
The air strikes were carried out under Operation Hadin Kai, a military campaign targeting insurgency in Nigeria’s northeast. The region has faced years of violence linked to Boko Haram activities.
Authorities say efforts are ongoing to verify casualty figures and determine what happened during the strike.
As investigations continue, the incident underscores the complex challenge of balancing counterinsurgency operations with civilian safety in conflict zones.