…Says impartial probe of civilian casualties underway
The federal authorities Tuesday clarified that the airstrikes carried out by the Nigerian Air power Operation HADIN KAI at Jilli Market, situated between Gubio and Geidam native authorities areas of Borno and Yobe states, was primarily based on credible intelligence, and never an indiscriminate assault.
It mentioned the world had been designated a high-risk zone with clear safety advisories proscribing civilian presence.
Minister of Data and Nationwide Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, who disclosed this in a personally signed assertion made out there to journalists in Abuja, condoled with the households of civilians affected by the airstrikes.
“The Authorities extends its deepest condolences to the households of these affected and sympathises with the injured. Each Nigerian life is sacred, and any lack of civilian life is deeply regretted,” he mentioned.
Based on the minister, the operation adopted sustained intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
“The Jilli axis, regionally often called ‘Kasu Daulaye’ (the terrorists’ market), has lengthy functioned as an insurgent-controlled enclave. Intelligence confirmed that Boko Haram and ISWAP operatives used the world to gather levies, procure provides, and coordinate assaults,” he mentioned.
The minister famous that the evaluation was strengthened on 12 April 2026, when troops apprehended a 15-year-old ISWAP courier, Tijjani, in Ngamdu.
{The teenager}, the minister mentioned, “admitted transferring funds and logistics between Jilli and different places, highlighting the depth of terrorist exercise within the space and the exploitation of civilians, together with minors.
“Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum additionally confirmed that Jilli and Gazabure markets had been formally closed 5 years in the past resulting from rebel management, describing the world as a identified hub for terrorist operations. This aligns with intelligence that knowledgeable the strike.”
Idris added that the Bindul–Jilli axis has constantly been recognized as a serious terrorist hall.
Based on him, in January 2026, troops suffered casualties from an IED assault alongside the route, whereas coordinated assaults in Ngamdu and Benisheikh on 9 April had been linked to the identical community.
He mentioned the 11 April strike adopted weeks of surveillance in response to escalating threats.
“After a rigorous focusing on course of, the Nigerian Air Drive, working with the Nigerian Military, confirmed the presence of terrorist components and executed the strike to disrupt provide traces and degrade rebel capability,” Idris mentioned.
The minister nonetheless, disclosed that the federal authorities had ordered a full and impartial investigation into the incident.
“This can overview intelligence, focusing on, and execution, and we are going to handle any gaps and guarantee accountability the place wanted.
“The safety of civilian lives stays a core obligation of the Armed Forces,” he mentioned.
Idris additional revealed that the federal government was working with the Borno and Yobe State Governments, in addition to the Nationwide Emergency Administration Company (NEMA and the State Emergency Administration Company (SEMA) of the 2 states, to offer humanitarian help to affected households, including that operational safeguards will even be strengthened.
He urged civilians “to strictly observe safety advisories, keep away from restricted zones, and cooperate with safety businesses, noting that “public cooperation is crucial in battle areas.
He additionally known as on the media to behave with accountability in reporting safety issues.”
“In instances of disaster, unverified reporting can mislead the general public, embolden terrorists, and undermine nationwide efforts.
“The Federal Authorities stresses that press freedom should be matched with accountability. The general public deserves verified and correct info, particularly on issues of nationwide safety,” he mentioned.