The Yobe State Government has clarified that Jilli community, affected by recent military air strikes, is a known Boko Haram stronghold located in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security Adviser to the governor, Dahiru Abdulsalam (retd.), made the clarification while addressing reports suggesting the incident occurred within Yobe State.
According to him, the air strike was carried out by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, targeting insurgent activity in Jilli.
He explained that some of the victims were residents of Geidam in Yobe who had travelled to the Jilli weekly market. The injured have since been evacuated to Geidam Specialist Hospital, where they are receiving treatment.
Medical officials also confirmed that 21 injured victims were admitted at a specialist hospital in Maiduguri, with most in stable condition, although some require blood transfusions and surgical procedures.
Meanwhile, Babagana Zulum stated that Jilli market had previously been identified as a hub for insurgents and their logistics network, noting that the Borno State Government had shut down the market and others in the area years ago.
However, Amnesty International has called for an investigation, alleging that over 100 people may have been killed in the strike, with dozens more injured.
In response, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said it has launched an investigation into reports of civilian casualties, assuring that such claims are being treated with seriousness.
