The Yobe State Government has defended the controversial airstrike on Jilli market, insisting the operation targeted a Boko Haram stronghold in neighbouring Borno State, not civilians.
The strike, carried out by the air component of Operation Hadin Kai, has been widely condemned following reports of civilian casualties along the Borno–Yobe border.
Reacting to the development, the Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Yobe State Governor, Dahiru Abdulsalam, dismissed claims that the attack was targeted at residents of Geidam Local Government Area.
“The attention of Yobe state government has been drawn to online reports suggesting an attack on the people of Gaidam Local Government Area,” the statement reads.
“It has become necessary to set the records straight. The Air Component of the Joint Task Force, (Northeast) Operation HADIN KAI conducted an air strike mission on Jilli (a Boko Haram stronghold) of Gubio Local Government Area in Borno State, yesterday Saturday, 11th April 2025.”
While maintaining that the target was a terrorist enclave, Abdulsalam acknowledged that some civilians were affected due to their presence at the market.
“However, some people from Geidam LGA bordering Gubio LGA in Borno state who went to the Jilli weekly market were affected,” he said.
He further disclosed that victims of the incident have since been evacuated for urgent medical attention.
“They have been evacuated to Geidam Specialist Hospital and responding to receiving treatment,” he added.
The statement comes amid growing concern over the impact of military operations on civilian populations in conflict-prone regions, as questions continue to trail the circumstances surrounding the strike.
