The Nigerian military has defended its recent airstrike on Jilli market along the Borno–Yobe border, insisting the operation targeted a terrorist enclave, even as outrage grows over reports of civilian casualties.

The strike, carried out on Saturday under Operation HADIN KAI, has drawn widespread condemnation, with conflicting reports putting the death toll anywhere between over 40 and as high as 200.

In a statement on Sunday, the Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Sanni Uba, said the attack followed “sustained intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions” which identified the area as a logistics hub for Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters.

“The operation was a carefully coordinated, intelligence-driven strike on a known terrorist enclave,” he said, adding that “scores of terrorists were neutralised” and their equipment destroyed.

According to him, the decision to strike was based on “multiple credible human intelligence sources” and confirmed through aerial surveillance, with suspicious movements of motorcycles and gun trucks observed converging on the location.

However, the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency confirmed that civilians, including traders, were affected, describing the incident as an accidental airstrike.

“The agency has deployed assessment teams to ascertain the facts and provide necessary support to victims,” it said.

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, also acknowledged the strike but reiterated that the market had long been identified as a hub for insurgent activities.

“I have been properly briefed… Jilli market is a notorious hub allegedly used by insurgents and their logistics suppliers,” he said, noting that the market had been officially closed by the state government years ago.

Similarly, the Yobe State Government admitted the operation targeted a Boko Haram stronghold but confirmed that civilians were inadvertently hit. Injured victims, it said, had been evacuated and were responding to treatment.

Despite these explanations, the incident has triggered strong reactions.

Amnesty International described the strike as “reckless,” alleging that over 100 people may have been killed and calling for an independent investigation.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also condemned the development, calling it a “devastating failure.”

“While targeting insurgents, innocent Nigerians were once again reduced to collateral damage… What is the value of Nigerian lives?” he asked.

The Nigerian Air Force said it had commenced a probe, activating its Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation Cell.

“The protection of innocent lives remains central to all NAF operations,” the service said, promising transparency in establishing the facts.

The latest incident comes weeks after a similar airstrike in Borno reportedly killed at least 23 people, further intensifying concerns over civilian safety in Nigeria’s counter-insurgency operations.