The Defence Headquarters has defended a recent airstrike in Borno State following growing outrage over reports of civilian casualties and a rising death toll.
The strike, carried out on Saturday in Jilli village near the Borno–Yobe border, targeted what the military described as a террорист stronghold under Operation Hadin Kai.
According to officials, the location was believed to be a logistics base for insurgents operating in the region.
However, eyewitnesses and local sources say the bombs struck a busy weekly market, killing dozens of civilians, including traders and residents. While early reports put the number of fatalities at around 30, later accounts suggest the death toll has climbed significantly, with fears it could exceed 60.
In response to the backlash, military authorities maintained that the operation was based on credible intelligence aimed at neutralising insurgent threats.
They also confirmed that an investigation has been ordered to determine the circumstances surrounding the strike.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from community leaders and rights groups, who are questioning the accuracy of intelligence used in the operation and calling for accountability.
The tragedy has once again highlighted concerns about civilian safety in Nigeria’s ongoing counter-insurgency campaign in the North-East, where similar incidents in the past have led to unintended loss of civilian lives.
Residents are now urging the government and military to adopt stricter safeguards and improve coordination to prevent a recurrence.
Airstrike tragedy: Military defends Borno operation as civilian death toll rises
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