By Iqrom Tesilim
The Federal Government (FG) has clarified that the recent airstrike in the Jilli axis of Gubio Local Government Area, Borno State, was a deliberate counter-terrorism operation carried out by the Nigerian Air Force under Operation HADIN KAI.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stressed that the strike was not carried out indiscriminately. He noted that the location has been designated a high-risk area for some time, with existing security advisories warning civilians to avoid movement there.
The statement addressed reports of civilian casualties from the operation. According to Idris, the airstrike was launched after sustained intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance identified the Jilli axis, known locally as “Kasu Daulaye” or “the terrorists’ market,” as an insurgent-controlled hub. The area was reportedly used by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province fighters for logistics, levy collection, and planning attacks.
Read Also: Atiku urges protection for citizens after Borno-Yobe airstrike
The government said this assessment was strengthened on April 12, 2026, following the arrest of Tijjani, a 15-year-old ISWAP courier, in Ngamdu. During interrogation, Tijjani allegedly confessed to moving funds and supplies between Jilli and other locations, which authorities said showed how insurgents exploit civilians and minors.
The statement also cited Babagana Zulum, who confirmed that markets in Jilli and Gazabure have been officially closed for five years because they fell under insurgent control. Zulum described the area as a recognized terrorist stronghold.
Officials pointed to the Bindul–Jilli corridor as a well-known terrorist route. They referenced a January 2026 IED attack and coordinated assaults in Ngamdu and Benisheikh on April 9, all linked to the same network operating from that axis.
After weeks of monitoring, the Nigerian Air Force, in coordination with the Nigerian Army, confirmed the presence of insurgent elements and executed the strike. The objective was to disrupt supply lines and degrade the operational capacity of terrorist groups.
The Federal Government has directed a full and independent investigation into the incident. The probe will examine intelligence gathering, target identification, and the execution process, with accountability to follow if lapses are found.
Idris said operational safeguards will be reviewed and strengthened. He reaffirmed that safeguarding civilian lives remains a central duty of the Armed Forces.
He disclosed that the Federal Government is working with the Borno and Yobe State governments, alongside NEMA and state emergency management agencies, to deliver humanitarian support to communities affected by the strike.
The government urged civilians to strictly comply with security advisories, stay away from restricted areas, and cooperate with security personnel. It also appealed to the media to ensure responsible reporting on security operations, cautioning that unverified reports could hamper national efforts.
While restating its commitment to press freedom, the Federal Government emphasized that such freedom comes with responsibility, especially on sensitive national security matters that require accurate and verified information.
Highlighting gains in the fight against terrorism, the statement noted that Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, recently announced that 386 convictions were secured out of 508 terrorism-related cases tried at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The convictions involved Boko Haram and ISWAP suspects, with some receiving life sentences for providing material support to insurgents. The trials were observed by Amnesty International, the Nigerian Bar Association, and the National Human Rights Commission.
The government also pointed to the release of a list naming 48 individuals and entities linked to terrorism financing, stating that there will be no refuge for those sponsoring terrorism.
It restated its resolve to sustain the fight against terrorism and banditry, adding that unfortunate incidents will not diminish national determination or derail ongoing military operations.
For More Details, Visit New Daily Prime at www.newdailyprime.news
