The Yobe State Government has clarified that Jilli, the community affected by recent military air strikes, is a known Boko Haram stronghold located in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State, not in Yobe.
In a press statement issued to journalists, the Security Adviser to the Governor, Brigadier General Dahiru Abdulsalam (retd.), said the clarification became necessary following online reports suggesting the attack occurred in Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe. “The Air Component of the Joint Task Force (Northeast) Operation HADIN KAI conducted an air strike mission on Jilli (a Boko Haram stronghold) of Gubio Local Government Area in Borno State, yesterday, Saturday, April 11, 2025,” the statement read.
Abdulsalam disclosed that while some of the injured persons were from Geidam LGA, which borders Gubio, they had travelled to the Jilli weekly market. The victims have since been evacuated to Geidam Specialist Hospital and are responding to treatment.
The Chief Medical Director of Maiduguri Specialist Hospital, Dr. Shehu Mohammed, confirmed that 21 injured persons from the Jilli air strikes were receiving medical attention. He said all victims were in stable condition, although some required blood transfusions before undergoing surgery. He appealed to residents to support the victims through blood donation.
Sources said a military fighter jet was tracking the movement of suspected Boko Haram insurgents in the area, who had reportedly moved to the market to collect levies from residents before the strike occurred. Several people were feared killed in the incident.
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum on Sunday described Jilli market as a notorious hub allegedly used by insurgents and their logistics suppliers. He noted that the Borno State Government closed Jilli and Gazabure markets five years ago and warned residents against aiding or providing logistical support to Boko Haram. “I am in close consultation with the Government of Yobe State and the military hierarchy on the matter,” Zulum said through his media aide, Dauda Iliya.
Amnesty International has condemned the incident, alleging that the military action claimed over 100 lives. The organisation said the emergency section of Geidam General Hospital had so far received 35 people with severe injuries.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Sunday announced that it had begun an investigation into claims of civilian casualties during the operation. In a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, NAF said it “treats all reports of possible civilian harm with the utmost seriousness and empathy”.
