The Nigerian Air Force has carried out follow-up airstrikes on suspected terrorist hideouts in the Jilli axis of Borno State, intensifying ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the North-East, even as reports of civilian casualties from an earlier strike on a border market continue to raise concern.
The latest strikes, executed on April 11, 2026, were conducted by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI in coordination with the Nigerian Army. The operation followed an earlier offensive that targeted and destroyed insurgent positions in the area.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the follow-up mission focused on fleeing insurgents and regrouping elements attempting to take advantage of the difficult terrain after the initial bombardment.
He explained that the strikes were based on credible intelligence obtained through collaboration with relevant stakeholders and verified by the appropriate operational command, noting that the operation further consolidated gains already achieved by security forces.
Ejodame stated that the air raids were part of sustained efforts to track and neutralise terrorist elements responsible for recent attacks on security personnel, adding that coordinated air and ground operations remain critical to restricting insurgent movement and preventing further violence against both military and civilian targets.
The development comes amid reports that an earlier Nigerian Air Force strike on Saturday evening hit a busy weekly market at Jilli, along the Borno–Yobe border, triggering panic among traders and residents. Initial reports indicated that no fewer than 30 people were feared killed, although official figures are yet to be confirmed.
The incident occurred at Dilli Market in Yobe State, near Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State, a commercial hub frequented by traders from surrounding communities, including Geidam, Chibok axis, and Benisheikh.
Confirming the incident, the Yobe State Police Command said it was aware of the development but had yet to establish the exact number of casualties. The Police Public Relations Officer, Dungus Abdulkarim, said security agencies were on the ground assessing the situation and gathering details.
He noted that efforts were ongoing to document the incident and provide accurate updates to the public once investigations are concluded.
Local sources, however, claimed that the airstrike occurred during a military operation targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents believed to be operating within the area, alleging that the jet may have missed its intended target.
According to the sources, at least 10 people were killed and several others injured, with victims currently receiving treatment in hospitals in Geidam and Damaturu.
The Nigerian Air Force maintained that sustained mop-up operations, precision strikes, and enhanced surveillance remain central to its strategy under Operation HADIN KAI, aimed at eliminating insurgent remnants and stabilising vulnerable communities across Borno and the wider North-East.
Borno State continues to be a major hotspot of insurgency, with renewed attacks on security forces prompting intensified joint air and ground offensives by the military.
