Several people are feared killed and others injured following suspected accidental air strikes at Jilli Market near Fuchimiram Village in Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State.

Jilli, a border community close to Damasak in Borno State, is located over 200 kilometres from Damaturu, the Yobe State capital.

The incident, reported on Saturday by residents and local sources, has not been officially confirmed by authorities.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the incident occurred while traders were carrying out their normal business activities at the market.

An eyewitness who visited Geidam Specialist Hospital told Channels Television that several victims were receiving emergency treatment, adding that the facility’s Accident and Emergency unit had been overstretched due to a steady influx of injured persons.

Another local source alleged that a military fighter jet was tracking suspected Boko Haram insurgents in the area, who were reportedly believed to have moved into the market to collect levies from residents shortly before the incident occurred.

The Yobe and Borno State governments have yet to issue any official confirmation or statement on the development.

Air Force Confirms Operations in Jilli Axis

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed conducting air operations in the Jilli axis, though it did not disclose whether there were any civilian casualties.

In a statement signed by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Air Force said it carried out precision follow-up “mop-up” air strikes on identified terrorist locations within the Jilli axis of Borno State on April 11, 2026.

According to the statement, the operation formed part of a coordinated air-ground offensive with the Nigerian Army under Operation HADIN KAI, targeting fleeing insurgents and regrouping cells in the area.

The Air Force said the strikes were carried out based on credible intelligence and were aimed at consolidating earlier gains by security forces.

It added that the mission was intended to deny terrorist elements freedom of movement, prevent attacks on military positions and civilian communities, and disrupt regrouping efforts in the region.

The statement further noted that the operations were part of ongoing efforts to secure lives and property and stabilize vulnerable communities across the North-East, while reaffirming the Air Force’s commitment to counter-insurgency operations.

However, the statement made no reference to reported civilian casualties and did not confirm the incident alleged by residents in the affected area.