Follow-up strike: Civilians feared killed as airstrike hits border market

NAF’s spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame confirmed the bombings on Sunday, but did not disclose the number of casualties affected. 

He said the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has directed a thorough investigation into strikes at the Jilli axis of Borno State. 

The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, a military offensive against terrorists in the North East, had on Saturday April 11 “successfully” executed precision follow-up mop-up air strikes on identified terrorist locations within the Jilli axis.

However, there were reports alleging that the strikes affected a local market in Jilli, resulting in civilian casualties. 

According to reports, the incident occurred Saturday evening at a market in Jilli, a Yobe community bordering Borno State. The market is frequented by cross-border traders, making it a busy commercial hub.

The villagers told Yerwa Express, a local publication in the North East, that the injured survivors of the NAF strikes were taken to hospitals in the area for treatment. 

However, Ejodame said 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.

“In line with this commitment, the CAS has directed an immediate activation of the Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation Cell (CHAI-Cell) to immediately proceed to the location on a fact-finding mission on the allegation,” he said. 

The NAF’s spokesperson said the service remains “firmly committed” to professionalism, accountability, and transparency in the conduct of its missions, and will work closely with relevant authorities and community representatives to establish the facts. 

He, however, urged the public and the media to refrain from speculation and allow the review to proceed without prejudice, reassuring citizens of its steadfast resolve to protect both national security and civilian lives.