Civilians are feared to have been killed following reports that a Nigerian military air strike hit a village market in the country’s north-east.
The incident occurred on Saturday near the border between Yobe and Borno States, where the military was conducting operations against Islamist militants linked to Boko Haram. The Nigerian Air Force confirmed carrying out “mop-up” strikes on what it described as identified terrorist locations in the Jilli axis of Borno State but did not acknowledge hitting a market or confirm casualties.
Casualty figures remain disputed. Reuters, citing local officials and residents, reported that at least 200 people may have been killed. Other Nigerian media outlets suggested lower figures, with some reporting around 10 deaths, while eyewitness accounts placed the toll at more than 50. Amnesty International said over 100 people were killed.
A local councillor, Lawan Zanna Nur Geidam, described the incident as “very devastating”, adding that the injured had been taken to hospitals across Yobe and Borno states.
The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency said it had received preliminary reports of casualties at the Jilli market and had deployed assessment teams, noting that details remained unverified.
The region has been at the centre of a prolonged insurgency that has displaced more than two million people and killed thousands. Air operations in the area have previously resulted in civilian casualties, including in markets and displacement camps.
The reported strike comes amid ongoing military efforts to target fleeing and regrouping militant cells operating in difficult terrain across north-eastern Nigeria.