MILITARY AIRSTRIKE ACCIDENTALLY HITS CIVILIANS DURING ANTI-INSURGENCY OPERATION IN BORNO

April 12, 2026

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By: Muftau Fatimo

At least, 56 people, mostly traders are feared dead after a military airstrike hit a busy weekly market along the Borno–Yobe border.
The incident happened on Saturday at Jilli Market, located between Gubio in Borno State and Geidam in Yobe State.

Four fighter jets were said to be involved in the operation, which was reportedly aimed at suspected Boko Haram fighters.

Reports said the jets were tracking insurgents believed to have come to the market to collect money and supplies from traders. However, the strike missed its target and hit civilians instead

Reports indicate that about 14 to 20 injured persons were taken to the Specialist Hospital in Geidam for medical treatment following the incident.

A local councillor, Malam Lawan Zanna, confirmed the attack, saying residents attempted to flee when the jets began firing, but the strikes reportedly continued.

He added that more than 20 people were hospitalised, and some of the injured later died, increasing the number of casualties.

The Security Adviser to the Yobe State Governor, Brigadier General Abdulsalam Dahiru (rtd), also confirmed the incident but clarified that the affected market is actually located in Borno State.

As of the time of reporting, the Nigerian Air Force had not issued an official statement on the airstrike.