The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has acknowledged reports that its air operation may have mistakenly struck a civilian target, following a deadly incident at a local market in Jilli along the Borno–Yobe border, and has ordered an immediate investigation into the tragedy.
In a statement on Sunday, NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the Service was aware of allegations that an airstrike conducted on Saturday, April 11, 2026, may have hit a busy market, resulting in civilian casualties. He noted that the Chief of the Air Staff had directed the activation of the Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation Cell (CHAI-Cell) to carry out a fact-finding mission.
“The Service treats all reports of possible civilian harm with the utmost seriousness and empathy, as the protection of innocent lives remains central to all NAF operations,” the statement said, adding that the Air Force would work with relevant authorities and community representatives to establish the facts.
The NAF urged the public and media to avoid speculation while the probe is ongoing, reiterating its commitment to professionalism, accountability, and transparency.
The incident occurred at the popular Jilli Market, a major trading hub serving communities in both Borno and Yobe states, where traders and residents were engaged in normal commercial activities when explosions tore through the area at about 4:00 p.m. Eyewitnesses reported that multiple fighter jets were involved in the strike, triggering panic and mass casualties.
Local accounts suggest the bombing may have missed its intended target. Sources said the operation was aimed at suspected Boko Haram insurgents believed to have gathered in the vicinity, but the munitions instead struck the crowded marketplace.
Casualty figures remain unclear, with conflicting reports emerging from the scene. A local councillor, Lawan Zannah, said more than 30 people were confirmed dead and over 20 others hospitalised. However, some eyewitnesses claimed the death toll could be significantly higher, with one stating that at least 56 bodies were counted, while more were still being recovered.
Security officials have yet to release official figures. The Yobe State Police Command confirmed the incident but said details were still being verified. Its spokesperson, Dungus Abdulkarim, noted that security agencies were on ground assessing the situation and documenting the aftermath.
The Special Adviser to the Yobe State Governor on Security Matters, Brigadier General Abdulsalam Dahiru (retd.), also confirmed the attack, clarifying that Jilli village falls within Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State despite its proximity to Yobe communities.
Emergency response efforts were ongoing as of press time, with injured victims reportedly evacuated to hospitals in Geidam and Damaturu for treatment.
In an earlier statement issued before reports of civilian casualties surfaced, the NAF had announced that its Air Component under Operation HADIN KAI carried out “precision follow-up mop-up strikes” on terrorist positions in the Jilli axis. The operation, conducted in coordination with ground forces, was described as part of intensified efforts to track and eliminate insurgents responsible for recent attacks.
According to the Air Force, the strikes targeted fleeing terrorist elements and regrouping cells attempting to exploit difficult terrain, based on credible intelligence and joint operational planning.
However, the latest development has raised concerns about the accuracy of the strike and the potential cost to civilian lives, as investigators move to determine what went wrong.
