Several people are feared dead and many others injured following suspected accidental airstrikes on a busy market in northeastern Nigeria.
The incident occurred at Jilli Market near Fuchimiram village in Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State, a border community linking Borno State. Residents and local sources said the strikes happened on Saturday while traders were conducting their normal business activities.
Although the casualty figures remain unconfirmed, eyewitness accounts indicate that the impact was severe, with multiple fatalities and injuries reported.
A resident, who spoke anonymously, said the attack took place during peak market activity, while an eyewitness who visited Geidam Specialist Hospital reported that “several victims were receiving emergency medical attention,” adding that the facility’s Accident and Emergency unit had been overstretched as more casualties continued to arrive.
Local sources suggested that the airstrike may have been linked to ongoing military operations targeting insurgents in the area. One source said a military fighter jet had been tracking suspected Boko Haram members who reportedly moved into the market to collect levies from residents before the incident occurred.
Military Response
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) confirmed carrying out air operations in the Jilli axis but did not verify reports of civilian casualties.
In a statement signed by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF said it conducted precision “mop-up” airstrikes on identified terrorist locations in the area as part of coordinated operations with ground forces under Operation HADIN KAI.
“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 Air Force added that the operation was based on credible intelligence and was intended to deny insurgents freedom of movement and prevent further attacks on both civilians and security forces.
Uncertainty Over Casualties
Despite growing reports from residents and local sources, authorities in both Yobe and Borno states have yet to officially confirm the incident or provide casualty figures.
The development highlights the continued complexity of counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria’s North-East, where military strikes targeting armed groups have occasionally raised concerns about civilian safety.
