The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has launched immediate investigation into reports of alleged civilian casualties following an air strike conducted on
Saturday, April 11, 2026, in a market located in Jilli, along the Borno-Yobe border.
This development comes as Amnesty International strongly condemned the incident, claiming over 100 lives were lost and demanding accountability.
According to a statement released by the Air Force, stating that it’s treating all reports of possible civilian harm with “utmost seriousness and empathy,” emphasizing that the protection of innocent lives is central to all NAF operations.
In response to the allegations, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) has directed the immediate activation of the Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation Cell (CHAI- Cell) to conduct a fact-finding mission
at the location.
The NAF reiterated its commitment to professionalism, accountability, and transparency, pledging to collaborate with relevant authorities and community representatives throughout the investigation.
The Service also urged the public and media to refrain from speculation while the review process is ongoing, reassuring citizens of its resolve to protect both national security and civilian lives.
Conversely, Amnesty International issued a strong condemnation of the military air strike, asserting that it killed over 100 people at Jalli Futchimiram in Geidam local government area of Yobe State.
Witnesses cited by Amnesty International reported that three military jets fired on the market. The emergency section of Geidam General Hospital has reportedly
received 35 people with severe injuries from the attack.
Amnesty criticized the air raid as an “unlawful, outrageous” act, highlighting the Nigerian military’s “shocking disregard for the lives of those it supposedly exists to protect.” 
The human rights organization called for an immediate and impartial investigation
by Nigerian authorities to ensure that the suspected perpetrators are held accountable.
The incident occurred amidst ongoing counter-terrorism operations in Nigeria’s North-East, where the military intensified its efforts against insurgent groups.
While the NAF statement refers to “Jilli” and a market along the “Borno-Yobe border,” Amnesty International specifies “Jalli Futchimiram Geidam local government area of Yobe state.” A Councillor in the area, Lawan Zannah, confirmed casualty figures to the PUNCH Online, stating that the incident occurred at the popular Jilli Market between Gubio and Geidam areas of Yobe State.
The Special Adviser to the Yobe Governor on Security Matters, Abdulsalam Dahiru (retd.), also confirmed the incident but placed Jilli village within Gubio Local Govt Area of Borno State.
As investigations proceed, the focus remains on establishing the facts and ensuring justice for any civilian harm caused during military operations in the region.
