By: Bola Ogunlayi
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has activated its Civilian Harm Incident Assessment and Investigation Cell to verify claims of civilian casualties following a recent precision airstrike on a suspected terrorist logistics base along the Borno–Yobe border.
Despite the allegations, the military defended the operation as a necessary strike targeting a major logistics hub belonging to the Islamic State West Africa Province operating within the Bindul–Jilli corridor.
NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said a fact-finding team had been deployed to Jilli for a post-strike assessment. He appealed to Nigerians to avoid speculation, stressing that the protection of innocent lives remains central to all NAF operations.
A statement issued over the weekend by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), said the strike was carried out on Saturday, April 11, 2026, after extensive Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
The military described the location as a known flashpoint for insurgent activity.
In January 2026, an improvised explosive device (IED) attack in the area reportedly killed eight soldiers. More recently, coordinated attacks in Ngamdu and Benisheik on April 9 were said to have been facilitated through the same logistics network.
“Target fidelity was confirmed through multiple credible human intelligence sources,” the statement noted.
“Post-strike assessment confirmed the destruction of the enclave, with scores of terrorists neutralised and their technical vehicles destroyed.”
According to the military, the operation also disrupted a major supply movement intended to support coordinated attacks on troop positions in Gubio. One suspect, Turja Bulu, arrested in Ngamdu on April 12, reportedly confessed to involvement in the Benisheik attacks.
However, despite the military’s success claims, reports have emerged alleging that the strike may have hit a local market, resulting in civilian casualties. Unconfirmed estimates have put the possible death toll at about 50 persons as investigations continue.
Meanwhile, Babagana Zulum cautioned residents against patronising markets suspected of serving as insurgent hubs. He recalled that the Jilli and Gazabure markets were officially shut down five years ago due to security concerns.
“Jilli market is a notorious hub used by insurgents,” the governor said. “I am in close consultation with the Yobe State Government and the military hierarchy on this matter.”
Similarly, former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai (rtd), described the military action in Jilli as “inevitable,” noting that the market had long been used by both Boko Haram and ISWAP to collect illegal levies and plan attacks.
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre and Transparency International Nigeria also expressed grave concern over the reports of possible civilian casualties.
“Airstrikes often rely on single-source or outdated intelligence,” CISLAC Executive Director Auwal Musa Rafsanjani noted.
The military said investigations are ongoing to determine the accuracy of the casualty claims and assured the public that findings from the assessment team would be made available upon completion.(Super News.Com)
