The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has launched a formal investigation into reports of civilian casualties following airstrikes around Jilli Market in Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the service “treats all reports of possible civilian harm with utmost seriousness and empathy.”
He explained that the Chief of Air Staff has ordered the immediate deployment of the Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation Cell (CHAI-Cell) to the affected area for a fact-finding mission into the incident.
The Air Force reiterated its commitment to professionalism, accountability, and transparency in all its operations, noting that recent strikes in the Jilli axis were part of ongoing efforts to target fleeing insurgent elements.
While NAF confirmed the conduct of mop-up operations in the area, it did not initially acknowledge civilian casualties. However, local sources and eyewitness accounts reported that several people were killed or injured when the strikes allegedly hit the market during trading activities.
The Jilli community, located along the Borno–Yobe border, has seen heightened military activity amid operations against suspected Boko Haram insurgents, with the incident prompting renewed concerns over civilian safety in conflict zones.
Headline:
NAF Launches Probe Into Alleged Civilian Casualties in Yobe Airstrike
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