The Yobe State Government has clarified that the Jilli community, recently affected by military air strikes, is a known Boko Haram stronghold located in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State not Yobe.
The governor’s Security Adviser, Brigadier General Dahiru Abdulsalam (retd.), issued a statement to address reports suggesting the air strike occurred in Yobe’s Geidam Local Government Area. “The attention of the Yobe State Government has been drawn to online reports suggesting an attack on the people of Geidam Local Government Area. It has become necessary to set the records straight,” the statement read, explaining that the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI targeted Jilli in Borno on Saturday, April 11, 2025.
Brigadier General Abdulsalam noted that some of those injured were residents of Geidam, which borders Gubio, and had traveled to attend the weekly market in Jilli. The victims have since been evacuated to Geidam Specialist Hospital for treatment.
Meanwhile, Dr. Shehu Mohammed, Chief Medical Director of Maiduguri Specialist Hospital, confirmed that 21 people injured in the air strikes are receiving medical care. He stated all victims were in stable condition, though some required blood transfusions before surgery, and called on residents to donate blood to help the wounded.
Reports indicate several fatalities occurred after the air strikes hit the border community’s market. According to a source, a military jet was pursuing suspected Boko Haram insurgents allegedly collecting levies from locals at the market prior to the strike.
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, addressing the incident, described Jilli market as a notorious hub for insurgent activity and reiterated that the Borno State Government had closed Jilli and Gazabure markets five years ago. He warned residents against supporting or harboring Boko Haram members and said he was coordinating closely with Yobe State authorities and military officials.
Amnesty International has condemned the air strikes, alleging that over 100 people were killed and that Geidam General Hospital has received at least 35 severely injured victims. In response, the Nigerian Air Force announced it has launched an investigation into reports of civilian casualties, emphasizing its commitment to treating all such reports with seriousness and empathy.
