FG defends Borno airstrike, promises to investigate civilian deaths…

The Federal Government has confirmed that the Nigerian Air Force carried out a precision airstrike on April 11 against terrorist positions along Jilli axis in Gubio Local Government Area of ​​Borno State, describing the operation as deliberate and intelligence-driven.

The confirmation came in a statement released on Tuesday by Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, who said the attack was carried out as part of Operation HADIN KAI in coordination with ground forces to disrupt the rebels’ logistics and operational networks in one of the most unstable corridors in the North-East.

Dozens are feared dead and many others injured in the strike.

According to the government, the targeted area – locally known as “Kasu Daulaye”, meaning terrorist market – had long been identified as a stronghold of Boko Haram and ISWAP operatives and had been under constant surveillance before the operation.

“This was a deliberate, intelligence-led operation, not an indiscriminate attack, conducted in one of the most active rebel corridors in the northeast,” the statement said.

The government said the intelligence picture was further strengthened following the arrest on April 12 of a 15-year-old ISWAP courier identified as Tijjani, who was arrested in Ngamdu and allegedly admitted to transporting funds and logistics between Jilli and other locations. The FG said his arrest highlighted the continued exploitation of minors and civilians by rebel groups.

Borno governor Babagana Zulum’s confirmation that Jilli and Gazabure markets were officially closed years ago due to rebel control was cited as further confirmation of the intelligence that guided the operation. Security sources have also linked the Bindul-Jilli axis to a series of attacks in recent months, including an IED incident in January 2026 and coordinated assaults in Ngamdu and Benisheikh on April 9.

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“After a rigorous targeting process, the Nigerian Air Force, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, confirmed the presence of terrorist elements and executed the attack to disrupt supply lines and reduce the rebels’ capability,” the statement said.

While affirming the military motivation of the strike, the government expressed its condolences to the families of those affected. “Every Nigerian life is sacred and any loss of civilian life is deeply regretted,” the statement read.

Idris announced that a full and independent investigation had been ordered to review the operational and intelligence procedures underlying the attack, with a stated commitment to minimize civilian harm in future operations. The government also confirmed coordination with the state governments of Borno and Yobe, NEMA and SEMA to provide aid to the affected communities.

On the legal front, the Attorney General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi has revealed that 386 convictions have been obtained in 508 terrorism-related cases at the Federal High Court, Abuja, involving members and collaborators of Boko Haram and ISWAP, with some receiving sentences of up to life imprisonment. The trials were observed by representatives of Amnesty International, the Nigerian Bar Association and the National Human Rights Commission.

The government has warned civilians in conflict-affected areas to heed security advisories and avoid restricted areas, while also warning the media against publishing unverified information on security matters, saying such reports risk misleading the public and emboldening terrorists.

“Freedom of the press must be accompanied by responsibility,” reads the note. “The public deserves verified and accurate information, especially on matters of national security.”

The federal government has reaffirmed its determination to support counter-terrorism operations, saying it will not allow the exploitation of tragic incidents to weaken national will or undermine the mission of the armed forces.

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