According to a report by Vanguard on Monday, April 13, 2026, a reported airstrike carried out by the Nigerian Air Force has caused widespread concern following its impact on a busy market in Jilli, a small town in Yobe State.
The incident occurred on a Saturday when the market was filled with traders and buyers, as is customary for the weekly trading day.
Witness accounts and visual evidence from the scene indicate that the area experienced significant destruction after military jets flew overhead, leading to the collapse of several trading stalls and loss of lives.
The situation has drawn attention to the risks associated with military operations conducted in areas with civilian presence.
Jilli market, located near the border between Borno State and Yobe State, serves as a central point for commerce for surrounding communities.
People from nearby towns regularly gather there to buy and sell goods, making it one of the busiest locations in the area during weekends.
On the day of the incident, the market was reportedly at its peak activity when the airstrike occurred.
The aftermath, as described by residents and captured in available footage, showed damaged structures and casualties among those present.
The scale of destruction has made it a subject of concern for local authorities and observers.
According to information released by the military, the operation was intended to target a logistics hub believed to be associated with militants from the Islamic State West Africa Province.
The military indicated that the location was near an abandoned settlement and that the strike was part of ongoing efforts to disrupt insurgent activities in the North-East region.
Such operations are often carried out based on intelligence aimed at identifying and neutralising threats linked to armed groups operating within the region.
However, the proximity of civilian settlements to suspected militant locations can complicate such missions.
Contrasting accounts from survivors, local officials, and humanitarian observers suggest that the strike may have affected civilians present at the market.
Reports indicate that several individuals were injured, while others lost their lives during the incident.
A conflict monitoring report prepared by the United Nations indicated that the strike hit the market area and resulted in multiple casualties.
Local leadership within the community has also provided figures suggesting that both fatalities and injuries were significant, although the exact number remains subject to verification as assessments continue.
Medical facilities in nearby areas, including Maiduguri, have reportedly received some of the injured individuals for treatment.
Among the survivors is Mala Garba, who is currently receiving medical care after sustaining injuries during the incident.
Accounts from survivors indicate that many of those present at the market were engaged in routine trading activities at the time the strike occurred.
These reports highlight the presence of civilians in the area, raising concerns about the impact of the operation on non-combatants.
Efforts to provide medical assistance and support to affected individuals are ongoing as authorities and organisations continue to respond to the situation.
He said, “I don’t know if there were jihadists at the market. We are just ordinary people.”…..See More
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