No fewer than 50 people, mostly traders, are feared dead following an airstrike carried out by the Nigerian Air Force near a busy market along the Borno–Yobe border.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening at Dilli Market in Yobe State, a key trading hub close to Borno State, where residents and traders from surrounding communities usually gather weekly.
Reports indicate that at least 14 injured victims are currently receiving treatment at Geidam Specialist Hospital.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Dungus Abdulkarim, said authorities are aware of the incident but are still verifying details.
“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 confirmed conducting air operations in the area but did not specify whether civilians were affected.
In a statement by its spokesperson, Ehimen Ejodame, the force said it carried out “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 were part of a joint operation with the Nigerian Army under Operation HADIN KAI, targeting fleeing insurgents and regrouping cells in the region.
The Air Force added that the operation was based on credible intelligence aimed at weakening terrorist activities and restricting their movement.
However, the statement did not address reports of civilian casualties linked to the market strike.
Emergency response efforts remain ongoing as authorities continue to assess the situation and verify the full extent of the damage and possible loss of lives.