Military defends airstrike on Jilli market, says it targeted ISWAP logistics hub

Nigeria’s military has defended its airstrike on Jilli market along the Borno-Yobe border, describing the operation as a precision strike on a terrorist logistics enclave, pushing back against Amnesty International’s allegation that the attack killed 100 people, many of them civilians.

The strike, carried out on 11th April along the Bindul-Jilli axis in Gubio LGA of Borno State, targeted what the military said was a convergence point for fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province and their collaborators. Sani Uba, spokesperson for Operation Hadin Kai, said in a statement on Sunday that the operation followed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions over the area and that the targeting process was “rigorous” before any strike was executed.

Amnesty International condemned the attack, alleging that 100 people were killed. The Yobe State government confirmed the operation took place but said it was directed at suspected Boko Haram insurgents.

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The military’s justification

Uba said aerial surveillance had observed motorcycles and vehicles converging near Jilli, a movement later corroborated by human intelligence sources. The military said those targeted were believed to be preparing logistics for planned attacks on troop locations in the Gubio axis.

The operation was also linked to a pattern of recent violence in the region. An IED attack along the Bindul route in January killed eight soldiers, and coordinated attacks were recorded in Ngamdu and Benisheik on 9th April — both allegedly supported by the same terrorist logistics network that the Jilli strike was meant to disrupt.

“Post-strike assessment confirmed that the target area was struck with high accuracy, resulting in the destruction of the identified terrorist logistics enclave,” Uba said, adding that scores of fighters were neutralised and their vehicles destroyed, with surviving elements observed fleeing in multiple directions.

On 12th April, a suspected logistics courier identified as Turja Bulu was arrested in Ngamdu and allegedly confessed to involvement in a previous attack in Benisheik.

The military reiterated that the use of motorcycles remains prohibited across the north-east operational theatre, particularly in Borno and Yobe states.

Zulum warns against providing support to insurgents

​Borno Governor Babagana Zulum has warned residents against aiding, harbouring or providing logistical support to insurgents. The warning follows the military operations conducted in the Jilli general area.

NAF intensifies air strikes on terrorist hideouts in Borno, targets fleeing insurgents in Jilli axis

​Dauda Iliya, Special adviser to the governor on media released a statement where Zulum described the Jilli market as a notorious hub for suppliers. The governor noted that the state government had officially closed the Jilli and Gazabure markets five years ago.

​Zulum said the state maintains close coordination with the military before reopening markets in areas affected by the insurgency. He reiterated a commitment to safeguarding law-abiding citizens and restoring lasting peace across the state.

 

Yobe activates emergency response for border casualties

​The Yobe State government has activated its emergency response system following reports of the incident at Jilli market. The community serves as a border point between the Gubio local government area of Borno and the Geidam local government area of Yobe.

​Yobe State Emergency Management Agency executive secretary Mohammed Goje said the response was initiated on the directive of Governor Mai Mala Buni. Preliminary information suggests the incident may have resulted in casualties among traders from Geidam.

​Response teams, mobilised in collaboration with security and health authorities, have been tasked with conducting on-the-ground assessments to verify the situation. Teams are working to ensure necessary support is provided to those impacted.