Nigeria’s military has defended its recent airstrike on Jilli market along the Borno–Yobe border, insisting that the operation was a precision strike aimed at a terrorist logistics base.
The strike, which took place on April 11 in the Bindul–Jilli axis of Gubio Local Government Area in Borno State, was described by military authorities as a targeted operation against fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and their collaborators.
According to the military, intelligence reports identified the location as a convergence point used by insurgents for coordination and supply activities. The operation, they said, was carefully executed to neutralize the threat and disrupt terrorist movement in the region.
The response comes after Amnesty International alleged that the strike led to the deaths of about 100 people, many of whom were reportedly civilians. However, the military has pushed back against the claim, maintaining that the target was strictly a terrorist enclave.
Officials emphasized that ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the North-East are guided by intelligence and aimed at restoring stability, while also working to minimize unintended casualties.
The incident has drawn attention to the complexities of military operations in conflict zones, where distinguishing between civilian activity and insurgent presence can be challenging.