FG Defends Jilli Airstrike as Targeted Anti-Terror Operation, Orders Probe Amid Civilian Casualty Reports By Shalom Oludele
FG Defends Jilli Airstrike as Targeted Anti-Terror Operation, Orders Probe Amid Civilian Casualty Reports
By Shalom Oludele
The Federal Government has defended Saturday’s airstrike in the Jilli axis of Borno State as a “deliberate, intelligence-led” counter-terrorism operation, while announcing a full independent investigation following reports of civilian casualties.
According to a statement by the minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, which came three days after the Nigerian Air Force carried out the strike under Operation HADIN KAI, the strike on April 11 targeted confirmed terrorist elements in Jilli, Gubio LGA, described as one of the North-East’s most active insurgent corridors.
The minister stressed the area had been designated a high-risk zone with clear advisories restricting civilian presence, and said the operation was not indiscriminate.
He expressed condolences to families of those affected and sympathized with the injured, stating that “every Nigerian life is sacred” and any loss of civilian life is deeply regretted, he said.
The statement also noted that the strike followed sustained intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance of Jilli, locally called “Kasu Daulaye” or “the terrorists’ market”, adding that the enclave has long been used by Boko Haram and ISWAP operatives to collect levies, procure supplies, and coordinate attacks, according to the statement.
He said that assessment was reinforced on April 12 when troops apprehended a 15-year-old ISWAP courier identified as Tijjani in Ngamdu. He reportedly admitted to moving funds and logistics between Jilli and other locations, which the government cited as evidence of terrorist activity and the exploitation of minors in the area.
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum confirmed that Jilli and Gazabure markets were officially closed five years ago due to insurgent control, calling the area a known hub for terrorist operations, as the minister said this aligns with intelligence that informed the April 11 strike.
He said that the Bindul–Jilli axis has been flagged repeatedly as a major terrorist corridor. The government noted troops suffered casualties from an IED attack along the route in January 2026, while coordinated attacks in Ngamdu and Benisheikh on April 9 were linked to the same network, and airstrike followed weeks of surveillance amid escalating threats.
After a “rigorous targeting process,” the Nigerian Air Force and Army confirmed terrorist presence and executed the strike to disrupt supply lines and degrade insurgent capacity.
To address concerns, the Federal Government has now ordered a full independent investigation to review intelligence, targeting, and execution, pledging to address gaps and ensure accountability where needed.
Alongside the probe, government says it is working with Borno and Yobe State Governments, NEMA, and SEMA to provide humanitarian support to affected families. Civilians were urged to observe security advisories, avoid restricted zones, and cooperate with security agencies, with officials noting public cooperation is essential in conflict areas.
The statement also called on media outlets to report security matters responsibly, warning that unverified reporting can mislead the public and embolden terrorists. It highlighted recent judicial actions against terrorism, noting 386 convictions from 508 terrorism-related cases at the Federal High Court in Abuja, with sentences up to life imprisonment.
Observers from Amnesty International, the NBA, and the NHRC monitored the trials, the minister added, saying a list of 48 individuals and entities linked to terrorism financing had been published, as he reaffirmed FG’s resolve to defeat terrorism and banditry.
