The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has launched an investigation into reports of civilian casualties following airstrikes around Jilli Market near Fuchimiram village in Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the Air Force takes allegations of civilian harm seriously and has initiated a probe into the incident.
He disclosed that the Chief of the Air Staff had ordered the immediate deployment of the Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation Cell (CHAI-Cell) to the area to carry out a fact-finding mission.
“The Nigerian Air Force treats all reports of possible civilian harm with the utmost seriousness and empathy,” the statement said, adding that the service remains committed to professionalism, accountability, and transparency in its operations.
Earlier, the NAF confirmed that it carried out follow-up airstrikes in the Jilli axis as part of ongoing operations targeting terrorist elements in the region. The strikes were aimed at neutralising fleeing insurgents and disrupting attempts by armed groups to regroup within the difficult terrain.
However, the Air Force did not initially confirm whether any civilian casualties were recorded.
Local sources, meanwhile, reported that several people were feared killed and others injured during the incident, which occurred while traders were conducting business at the market.
Eyewitnesses said many of the injured victims were taken to Geidam Specialist Hospital, where medical personnel have been attending to them. The hospital’s emergency unit was reportedly overwhelmed as more casualties arrived.
Another source indicated that the airstrike may have occurred while a military jet was tracking suspected Boko Haram fighters believed to have moved into the market area to collect levies from residents.
The investigation by the NAF is expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and verify claims of civilian casualties.
