The Federal Government has defended the April 11 airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force on the Jilli axis in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State, describing it as a “precision, intelligence-led” operation aimed at dismantling a major terrorist stronghold.
In a statement issued Tuesday night to this effect, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, maintained that the strike, conducted under Operation HADIN KAI, was not indiscriminate but targeted at confirmed insurgent elements operating within the area, widely regarded as a key Boko Haram and ISWAP enclave.
Describing the Jilli axis,locally known as “Kasu Daulaye” or “terrorists’ market”,as a high-risk zone long under insurgent control, Idris said intelligence had established that the location served as a hub for levy collection, logistics coordination, and planning of attacks.
Despite the justification, the minister expressed deep regret over reported civilian casualties, extending condolences to affected families and reaffirming that “every Nigerian life is sacred.”
He disclosed that the operation followed weeks of surveillance, supported by intelligence, reconnaissance, and recent security developments, including the arrest of a 15-year-old ISWAP courier in Ngamdu, who reportedly confessed to transporting funds and supplies linked to terrorist networks in Jilli.
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum was also cited as having previously declared Jilli and nearby Gazabure markets closed due to insurgent activities, further validating the military’s assessment of the area.
The Bindul–Jilli corridor has remained a hotspot for terrorist operations, with recent incidents including an IED attack on troops in January and coordinated assaults in Ngamdu and Benisheikh earlier in April.
Following the airstrike, the Federal Government announced a full and independent investigation to review the operation’s intelligence, targeting, and execution processes, pledging accountability where necessary.
Authorities said humanitarian assistance is already being coordinated with Borno and Yobe State governments, alongside NEMA and SEMA, to support affected communities, while operational safeguards are to be strengthened.
Credit: Vanguard Newspapers Nigeria