NAF Airstrike Mstakenly Kills Over 50 Civilians in Yobe Border Community Market Incident

A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) airstrike reportedly struck Jilli Market in a border community between Yobe and Borno States on Saturday evening, leaving over 40 people feared dead and more than 10 others injured, according to multiple local sources.

The incident occurred at the busy market, which is located in Yobe State near the Gubio axis of Borno State and is known to attract traders and buyers from surrounding communities including Geidam, Gubio, Chiweram, and Beni Sheik.

Eyewitness accounts and local sources said the air operation was part of a military offensive targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents operating in the area. The insurgents were allegedly in the market to collect levies from traders and source logistics when the strike took place.

One source claimed that a fighter jet was tracking a group of suspected insurgents at the time of the operation but may have missed the intended target, resulting in civilian casualties.

“The insurgents came to the market to collect taxes from traders and gather logistics. At least 40 people were killed, and others sustained injuries,” the source said, noting that the figures remain unverified.

However, the casualty toll has not been officially confirmed by authorities. Medical sources indicate that injured victims are currently receiving treatment in hospitals across Yobe State.

The Yobe State Police Command confirmed awareness of the incident but said it was still gathering information to establish the circumstances and verify casualty figures.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Dungus Abdulkarim, said security agencies had been deployed to the scene for assessment and documentation.

“We are aware of the incident that occurred at Dilli Market along the Borno–Yobe border, and we are currently gathering information on what transpired. At this moment, we do not have confirmed casualty figures, as details are still being verified,” he said.

He added that a full and official update would be released once investigations are completed and facts are confirmed.

Authorities have not yet issued an official statement attributing responsibility or confirming whether the strike directly resulted in civilian casualties.