NANS Condemns Airstrike on Civilian Market in Borno-Yobe

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) criticized the Nigerian Air Force following an airstrike that reportedly struck Jilli Market, a busy trading center along the Borno-Yobe border, resulting in civilian casualties. In a statement released on Sunday, NANS described the incident as tragic and avoidable, attributing the airstrike to unprofessional intelligence that mistakenly targeted the market instead of insurgents.

The airstrike reportedly killed around 200 people and injured dozens, as part of the ongoing military campaign against insurgent groups in the northeast, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province. NANS, represented by its Secretary Zakari Hashim, emphasized the need for the military to prioritize civilian safety and called on the federal government and the Nigerian Air Force to initiate an independent investigation into the incident, ensure compensation for victims, and implement stricter safeguards to prevent future occurrences.