FG Defends Jilli Airstrike, Orders Probe As Civilian Safety Concerns Mount
In Nigeria’s relentless battle against insurgency, the fine balance between military precision and civilian safety has once again come under scrutiny following a recent airstrike in Borno State.
The Federal Government has defended the Nigerian Air Force’s 11 April 2026 airstrike on the Jilli axis in Gubio Local Government Area, insisting the operation was a carefully planned, intelligence-led mission targeting terrorist strongholds, not a random assault on civilians.
In a statement issued by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government said the strike was conducted under Operation HADIN KAI after sustained intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance confirmed the area as a major hub for Boko Haram and ISWAP activities.
Described locally as “Kasu Daulaye” or “the terrorists’ market”, the Jilli axis has reportedly functioned as an insurgent enclave where fighters collected levies, sourced logistics, and coordinated attacks.
Authorities noted that the area had long been designated a high-risk zone, with restrictions on civilian movement.
Despite this, the government expressed deep regret over reported civilian casualties, extending condolences to affected families and reaffirming that “every Nigerian life is sacred.”
Further reinforcing its position, the government cited the recent arrest of a 15-year-old ISWAP courier, Tijjani, who allegedly confessed to transporting funds and supplies linked to the Jilli network, highlighting the extent of insurgent operations and the exploitation of minors.
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, was also quoted as confirming that Jilli and nearby markets had been shut down years ago due to terrorist control, aligning with intelligence that informed the strike.
Nevertheless, in response to public concern, the Federal Government has ordered a full and independent investigation into the incident, focusing on intelligence gathering, targeting decisions, and operational execution, with a view to ensuring accountability and strengthening safeguards.
Humanitarian assistance is already being coordinated with state authorities and emergency agencies, including NEMA and SEMA, for affected communities.
The government also urged civilians to adhere strictly to security advisories, warning that presence in restricted zones poses grave risks, while calling on the media to exercise responsibility and avoid unverified reports that could undermine national security efforts.
Reaffirming its broader counterterrorism achievements, the government disclosed that 386 convictions had been secured from 508 terrorism-related cases, signalling intensified efforts to dismantle terror networks and their financiers.
As Nigeria presses forward in its fight against insurgency, authorities maintain that precision, accountability, and public cooperation remain central to achieving lasting peace.
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