The Nigerian Army has confirmed that Jilli, in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State, served as a major terrorist logistics hub following a successful precision air strike by the Air Component of Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK).
The operation, carried out on April 11, 2026, targeted a known terrorist enclave near the abandoned village of Jilli after sustained Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions over the Bindul–Jilli axis. The area had long been identified as a key movement corridor and convergence point for Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters and their collaborators.
According to military sources, the strike followed a series of security incidents in the region. In January 2026, troops travelling from Gubio to Damasak were hit by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack along the Bindul route, resulting in the death of eight soldiers and injuries to several others. More recently, coordinated attacks were reported in Ngamdu and Benisheik on April 9, allegedly supported by the same logistics network.
The military said it intensified aerial surveillance and intelligence gathering in response to persistent reports of terrorist activities in the area.
“On 11 April 2026, multiple reports were received of ISWAP Gun Trucks (GT) and Motorcycles (MC) moving along the axis. Consequently, ISR coverage over the area was immediately intensified.”
During surveillance operations, several motorcycles were observed heading towards Jilli, followed by additional vehicles converging on the same location.
“These suspicious movements were subsequently corroborated by credible human intelligence sources, confirming that the converging elements were terrorists, their collaborators, and logistics handlers.”
The statement added that the military adhered strictly to operational procedures before engaging the target.
“Target fidelity was confirmed through multiple credible Human Intelligence sources, supported by persistent aerial surveillance.”
Following final verification, the Air Component launched coordinated strikes on the location while surveillance platforms maintained continuous monitoring for real-time battle damage assessment.
“Upon final validation, the Air Component executed a series of precision strikes on the objective, while Surveillance platforms maintained continuous overwatch for real-time battle damage assessment.”
Post-strike analysis indicated a high level of accuracy, with the destruction of the identified logistics enclave and significant casualties recorded among the террорист elements.
“Post-strike assessment confirmed that the target area was struck with high accuracy, resulting in the destruction of the identified terrorist logistics enclave.”
“Scores of terrorists were neutralised in the strike, with their vehicles and technicals destroyed, while surviving elements were observed fleeing in multiple directions.”
