A recent Nigerian military airstrike on a village market has resulted in a high number of casualties, with estimates reaching over 200 people feared dead. The incident occurred on Saturday at Jilli market, located on the border of Borno and Yobe states. Many of those killed are believed to be civilians.
The military maintains the operation was a “precision airstrike” targeting jihadi militants and a militant logistics hub. However, survivors, observers, human rights groups, and local officials are questioning this rationale, describing the event as a massacre of civilians.
This strike is the latest in a series of incidents over the past decade where the Nigerian military has reportedly hit civilian targets while pursuing Islamist militants and armed groups. Such incidents are common in Nigeria, where air raids are frequently conducted against groups controlling large forest areas.
While reports indicate at least 100 deaths, the exact number remains unconfirmed. The military has pushed back against reports of civilian deaths, asserting the operation successfully eliminated militants.