Military Defends Borno Airstrike Amid Civilian Casualties

The Nigerian military has defended its airstrike conducted on a market in Jilli village near the Borno-Yobe border, asserting that the location was a terrorist enclave. The operation, part of a coordinated intelligence-driven mission, has faced widespread criticism due to civilian casualties, with reports indicating a death toll of at least 40, although some accounts suggest a higher number.

The operation took place on a Saturday, and Lt. Col.

Sanni Uba emphasized that the military's actions were carefully planned to neutralize terrorist threats and destroy logistical bases. However, the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency confirmed that civilians, including traders, were affected.

Amnesty International condemned the strike as reckless and called for an investigation. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the incident as a devastating failure, highlighting the growing concern over civilian safety in military operations.