Dozens of civilians are feared dead after a Nigerian military air strike reportedly hit a village market in the country’s northeast, with casualty estimates varying widely as authorities and observers assess the aftermath.
The strike occurred near Jilli village along the border of Yobe and Borno states during an operation targeting Boko Haram fighters, a group active in the region for years.
Local officials, humanitarian sources, and international organizations have described a devastating scene, though the full scale of casualties remains unclear.
Injured individuals were transported to nearby hospitals in Geidam and Maiduguri, where medical workers continue to treat survivors.
Reports of the number of casualties differ significantly, reflecting the difficulty of verifying details in the immediate aftermath.
Amnesty International said more than 100 people were killed and at least 35 wounded, while local official Lawan Zanna Nur Geidam estimated total casualties, including injured, at around 200.
Other accounts cited lower figures, with some local media reporting as few as 10 deaths, while eyewitness-based reports suggested dozens killed.
Emergency authorities in Yobe said they had received preliminary information indicating casualties among market traders but noted that details remained unverified.
The weekly market reportedly draws large numbers of traders and buyers from surrounding communities, increasing the likelihood of civilian presence at the time of the strike.
The Nigerian Air Force confirmed it conducted air operations in the Jilli area, describing them as targeting “identified terrorist locations” and fleeing militant groups.
However, it did not acknowledge striking a market or provide casualty figures.
State officials indicated that the strike occurred near the market and affected residents who had traveled there.
Amnesty International condemned the incident and called for an immediate investigation, stating that “launching air raids is not a legitimate law enforcement method by anyone’s standard.”
The region has experienced repeated incidents in which military operations against insurgents have reportedly resulted in civilian harm, underscoring ongoing challenges in distinguishing between militant targets and populated areas.