The Federal Government has defended the Nigerian Air Force airstrike carried out on April 11 in the Jilli axis of Gubio Local Go...
The Federal Government has defended the Nigerian Air Force airstrike carried out on April 11 in the Jilli axis of Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State, describing it as a “precision, intelligence-led” operation targeting terrorist strongholds, while announcing a full investigation into the incident.
In a press statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the government maintained that the strike, conducted under Operation HADIN KAI, was aimed at disrupting insurgent activities in one of the most volatile corridors in the North-East. It stressed that the area had long been designated a high-risk zone with security advisories restricting civilian presence.
The government, however, expressed regret over reports of civilian casualties, extending condolences to affected families and sympathy to the injured. It reiterated that the protection of civilian lives remains a core obligation of the Armed Forces.
According to the statement, the Jilli axis—locally referred to as “Kasu Daulaye”—has functioned as an insurgent enclave where Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters allegedly collect levies, procure supplies, and coordinate attacks. Authorities said the operation followed weeks of surveillance, intelligence gathering, and reconnaissance.
Further justification for the strike was drawn from recent security developments, including the arrest of a 15-year-old ISWAP courier in Ngamdu on April 12, who reportedly confessed to transporting funds and logistics between Jilli and other locations. The government said the development underscored the depth of insurgent activities in the area and the use of minors in their operations.
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, was also cited as confirming that Jilli and nearby Gazabure markets had been shut down for about five years due to insurgent control, reinforcing claims that the area serves as a hub for terrorist operations.
The statement added that the Bindul–Jilli corridor has been linked to repeated attacks, including an improvised explosive device (IED) incident in January that resulted in military casualties, and coordinated assaults in Ngamdu and Benisheikh on April 9.
Despite defending the operation, the Federal Government disclosed that it has ordered a “full and independent investigation” to review the intelligence, targeting process, and execution of the strike, with a view to addressing any gaps and ensuring accountability.
Meanwhile, humanitarian assistance is being coordinated with the governments of Borno and Yobe States, alongside the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMA), to support affected families.
The government also urged residents in conflict areas to adhere strictly to security advisories and avoid restricted zones, emphasizing that public cooperation is critical to ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.
It called on the media to exercise restraint and responsibility in reporting security issues, warning that unverified reports could mislead the public and embolden terrorist groups.
Reaffirming its broader counter-terrorism efforts, the government disclosed that 386 convictions had been secured from 508 terrorism-related cases at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The convictions, involving Boko Haram and ISWAP suspects, included sentences of up to life imprisonment for offences such as providing material support to insurgents.
The trials were monitored by observers from Amnesty International, the Nigerian Bar Association, and the National Human Rights Commission, while a list of 48 individuals and entities linked to terrorism financing has also been published.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to defeating terrorism and banditry, stating that it would not allow “the exploitation of tragic incidents” to undermine national security efforts. It pledged to enhance operational precision and accountability in ongoing military operations until lasting peace is achieved.
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