No fewer than 56 people, mostly traders, are feared dead and at least 14 others injured following an airstrike that struck a busy weekly market along the Borno–Yobe border on Saturday evening.
The incident occurred at Dilli Market in Yobe State, a major commercial hub located near Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State, where traders and residents from surrounding communities routinely gather for business and social exchange.
Eyewitness accounts and local sources indicate that the market was crowded at the time of the strike, raising fears of significant civilian casualties. Several of the injured victims are currently receiving treatment at Geidam Specialist Hospital, according to reports from the area.
Authorities, however, have urged caution, stating that casualty figures are yet to be officially confirmed.
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“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,” an official 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.”
Amid growing concern, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) confirmed it conducted air operations within the vicinity but stopped short of acknowledging civilian impact.
In a statement issued by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF disclosed that it carried out “precision follow-up mop-up airstrikes on identified terrorist locations within the Jilli axis of Borno State on April 11, 2026.”
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According to the Air Force, the strikes formed part of a coordinated offensive with the Nigerian Army under Operation HADIN KAI, aimed at neutralizing insurgent elements in the region.
“The follow-on strikes were aimed at fleeing remnants and regrouping cells seeking to exploit the difficult terrain,” the statement read.
“The operation was based on credible intelligence and intended to consolidate earlier gains against insurgents, as well as restrict their movement and capacity to launch attacks.”
However, the military statement did not directly address reports that civilians may have been affected, nor did it provide details on casualties resulting from the operation.
The apparent disconnect between local accounts and official military communication has heightened concerns among residents and observers, particularly given the history of insurgency-related operations in Nigeria’s North-East.
Emergency response efforts were still ongoing as of the time of filing this report, with security agencies continuing assessments to determine the full extent of the damage and verify the number of casualties.
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Further updates are expected as investigations progress and authorities release more detailed findings.
