Nigerian Air Force, on Sunday, confirmed its operation in the Jilli axis of Borno State, saying the operation was carried out to sustain pressure on terrorists in the North-East.
No fewer than 50 persons were killed during the airstrikes in an accidental bombing at a weekly market along the Borno–Yobe border.
But NAF neither mentioned the accidental bombing incident nor claimed responsibility for it.
The market usually attracts traders and buyers from surrounding communities, including Gubio, Chiweram, and Benisheikh in Borno State, as well as Gurokayeya and Geidam in Yobe State.
Multiple sources said the fighter jet that carried out the operation was tracking a group of suspected insurgents believed to have visited the market to collect levies from traders and obtain supplies.
However, the strike reportedly missed its intended target.
An eyewitness said at least 56 people have been confirmed dead, while 14 others are receiving treatment at the Specialist Hospital in Geidam, Yobe State.
But NAF in a statement issued after the incident by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said scores of insurgents were neutralised in the operation and their hideouts destroyed in a precision follow-up air strikes.
Ejodame confirmed that the air strikes were conducted on Friday by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai as part of ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the theatre.
He said the mission targeted fleeing terrorists and regrouping elements following an earlier successful engagement that decimated their positions in the area.
“The follow-up strikes were executed based on credible intelligence and in close coordination with ground forces to deny terrorists freedom of movement and prevent further attacks.
“The operation formed part of a broader air-ground integration effort aimed at consolidating earlier gains recorded by friendly forces,” he said.
He said the strikes effectively disrupted terrorist activities within the Jilli axis, a known enclave exploited by insurgents due to its difficult terrain.
Ejodame said the sustained offensive underscored the growing effectiveness of intelligence-driven joint operations in the North-East.
He added that the Nigerian Air Force remained committed to persistent surveillance, precision targeting and rapid response missions to support ongoing military efforts.
“The NAF will continue to sustain momentum in ongoing operations to protect innocent lives, secure communities and restore lasting peace in the region,” he said.
But NAF neither mentioned the incident nor claimed responsibility for it.
