Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
No fewer than 56 people, mostly traders, are feared dead, while 14 others have reportedly been hospitalised following an airstrike on a weekly market along the Borno–Yobe border.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening at Dilli Market in Yobe State, a key commercial hub near Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State, where traders and residents from surrounding communities regularly gather.
Some of the injured victims are currently receiving treatment at the Geidam Specialist Hospital.
Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer of the Yobe State Police Command, Dungus Abdulkarim, said authorities were aware but still working to verify details surrounding the attack.
“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,” he said.
“At this moment, we do not have confirmed casualty figures, as details are still being verified. Security agencies are on the ground assessing the situation, while efforts are ongoing to ensure proper documentation and response, after which the public will be duly informed with accurate and official updates.”
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) acknowledged carrying out air operations in the area but did not confirm whether civilians were affected.
In a statement signed by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF said it conducted “precision follow-up mop-up airstrikes on identified terrorist locations within the Jilli axis of Borno State on April 11, 2026.”
According to the statement, the strikes formed part of a coordinated offensive with the Nigerian Army under Operation HADIN KAI.
“Coming amid intensified efforts to track and neutralise terrorist elements responsible for recent attacks on security forces within the wider theatre, the follow-on strikes were aimed at fleeing remnants and regrouping cells seeking to exploit the difficult terrain,” the statement said.
The Air Force added that the operation was based on credible intelligence and was designed to consolidate earlier gains against insurgents, as well as limit their movement and ability to launch further attacks.
However, the statement did not address reports from residents about the market strike or provide details on possible civilian casualties.
Emergency response efforts were still ongoing at the time of filing this report, as authorities continued to assess the situation and verify the extent of damage and loss of life.
