Fed Govt plans support for Jilli Market bombing victims
The Federal Government will provide humanitarian support to families affected by the airstrike in Jilli, Borno State, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said yesterday. It ordered a
The Federal Government will provide humanitarian support to families affected by the airstrike in Jilli, Borno State, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said yesterday.
It ordered a full and independent investigation into the incident.
In a statement, the minister conveyed the government’s condolences to the victims while outlining steps to assist affected communities.
According to Idris, the Federal Government is already working with the governments of Borno and Yobe states, as well as emergency agencies, to deliver relief and support to families impacted by the strike.
Despite the humanitarian response, the government maintained that the operation was deliberate and intelligence-led, targeting insurgent elements operating in the area.
Idris said the Nigerian Air Force, under Operation HADIN KAI, carried out the strike on April 11, following weeks of surveillance and confirmed intelligence on terrorist activity in the Jilli axis of Gubio Local Government Area.
He described the location, locally known as “Kasu Daulaye”, as a long-standing insurgent enclave used by Boko Haram and ISWAP for logistics, taxation of locals, and coordination of attacks.
“The Federal Government reiterates that this was a deliberate, intelligence-led operation, not an indiscriminate attack,” the statement said.
He noted that the area had been designated a high-risk zone with restrictions on civilian presence.
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The minister added that intelligence reports were reinforced by the arrest of a 15-year-old ISWAP courier in Ngamdu, who reportedly admitted transporting funds and supplies between Jilli and other insurgent locations.
He also cited confirmation by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum that Jilli and nearby Gazabure markets had been officially shut down about five years ago due to insurgent control.
According to the government, the Bindul-Jilli corridor has remained a major route for terrorist operations, with recent attacks in Ngamdu and Benisheikh linked to networks operating within the axis.
While defending the strike, the government acknowledged reports of civilian casualties, expressing regret over the loss of lives and assuring that accountability would be ensured where necessary.
“The government extends its deepest condolences to the families of those affected and sympathises with the injured. Every Nigerian life is sacred,” the statement added.
It said the ongoing investigation would review intelligence gathering, targeting processes, and execution of the operation, with a view to strengthening safeguards and preventing future civilian harm.
The government also urged residents in conflict areas to adhere strictly to security advisories and avoid restricted zones, stressing that public cooperation is critical to ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.
It further called on the media to exercise responsibility in reporting security issues, warning that unverified reports could mislead the public and embolden terrorist groups.
Reaffirming its broader counter-terrorism efforts, the government noted that recent prosecutions led by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, resulted in 386 convictions from 508 terrorism-related cases at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
It said the convictions, involving members and collaborators of Boko Haram and ISWAP, included sentences of up to life imprisonment, adding that international and local observers monitored the trials.
The government reiterated its commitment to defeating terrorism and banditry, while pledging greater precision in future operations alongside continued humanitarian support for affected civilians.
Idris said: “The government is working with the Borno and Yobe State Governments, as well as National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and (State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), to provide humanitarian support to affected families. Operational safeguards will also be strengthened.
“Civilians are urged to strictly observe security advisories, avoid restricted zones, and cooperate with security agencies. Public cooperation is essential in conflict areas.”
He added: “The operation followed sustained intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
“The Jilli axis, locally known as ‘Kasu Daulaye’ (the terrorists’ market), has long functioned as an insurgent-controlled enclave.
“Intelligence confirmed that Boko Haram and ISWAP operatives used the area to collect levies, procure supplies, and coordinate attacks.
“This assessment was reinforced on April 12, when troops apprehended a 15-year-old ISWAP courier, Tijjani, in Ngamdu.
“He admitted moving funds and logistics between Jilli and other locations, highlighting the depth of terrorist activity in the area and the exploitation of civilians, including minors...
“The Bindul-Jilli axis has consistently been identified as a major terrorist corridor. In January, troops suffered casualties from an IED attack along the route, while coordinated attacks in Ngamdu and Benisheikh on 9 April were linked to the same network. The 11 April strike followed weeks of surveillance in response to escalating threats.
“After a rigorous targeting process, the Nigerian Air Force, working with the Nigerian Army, confirmed the presence of terrorist elements and executed the strike to disrupt supply lines and degrade insurgent capacity.
“The Federal Government calls on the media to act with responsibility in reporting security matters.
“In times of crisis, unverified reporting can mislead the public, embolden terrorists, and undermine national efforts.
“The Federal Government stresses that press freedom must be matched with responsibility.
“The public deserves verified and accurate information, especially on matters of national security...
“The Federal Government remains resolute in its commitment to defeating terrorism and banditry.
“It will not allow the exploitation of tragic incidents to weaken national resolve or undermine the mission of the Armed Forces.
“The government remains committed to greater precision, accountability, and sustained action until lasting peace is achieved.”
