Several persons are feared dead, with many others injured, following suspected accidental airstrikes at Jilli Market near Fuchimiram village in Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Jilli, a border community linked to Damasak in Borno State, lies over 200 kilometres from Damaturu, the Yobe State capital.
The incident, which reportedly occurred on Saturday, is yet to receive official confirmation from authorities.
Residents and local sources said the strike happened while traders were engaged in routine market activities. One resident, who spoke anonymously, described the situation as chaotic, with casualties recorded at the scene.
An eyewitness who visited Geidam Specialist Hospital told Channels Television that multiple victims were receiving urgent medical care. According to the source, the hospital’s Accident and Emergency unit has been overwhelmed as more injured persons continue to arrive.
Another local account suggested that a military fighter jet had been tracking suspected Boko Haraminsurgents believed to have entered the market area to collect levies from residents before the strike occurred.
As of the time of reporting, both the Yobe and Borno state governments have not issued official statements confirming the incident.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) confirmed that it carried out air operations in the Jilli axis, although it did not indicate whether civilian casualties were recorded.
In a statement signed by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF disclosed that precision follow-up mop-up airstrikes were conducted on April 11, 2026, targeting identified terrorist locations within the Jilli axis of Borno State.
The operation, according to the Air Force, was executed in collaboration with the Nigerian Army under Operation HADIN KAI, focusing on fleeing insurgents and regrouping cells in the region.
“Coming amid intensified efforts to track and neutralise terrorist elements responsible for recent attacks on security forces within the wider theatre, the follow-on strikes were aimed at fleeing remnants and regrouping cells seeking to exploit the difficult terrain,” the statement said.
The NAF explained that the mission was based on credible intelligence and designed to build on previous successes by denying insurgents freedom of movement and preventing further attacks on both military positions and civilian communities.
It added that the strikes are part of ongoing operations to safeguard lives, protect property, and stabilise vulnerable communities across the North-East.
However, the Air Force statement made no mention of casualties or any confirmation of the market incident reported by residents, leaving uncertainty over the exact circumstances and impact of the airstrikes.
What you should know
Reports of civilian casualties following military airstrikes in Yobe highlight ongoing security challenges in Nigeria’s North-East.
While the Nigerian Air Force confirmed operations targeting insurgents, the lack of clarity on civilian impact raises concerns about operational risks in populated areas. The region remains a hotspot for Boko Haram attacks, prompting sustained military action under Operation HADIN KAI.
However, incidents like this, if confirmed, may intensify scrutiny on military tactics and the need for improved intelligence coordination to prevent harm to civilians during counter-terrorism operations.
