Jilli Airstrike: We Are Traders, Not Insurgents – Survivors

Survivors of the recent military airstrike on Jilli market in Borno State have said they were legitimate animal traders conducting their daily business when the incident occurred, describing the attack as sudden and devastating.

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Naija News reports that the victims spoke on Sunday following the airstrike that reportedly struck the weekly market in Jilli village, located along the Borno–Yobe border, on April 11, 2026.

The operation involved the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai in coordination with the Nigerian Army.

Naija News had earlier reported that no fewer than 30 people were feared killed in the attack, which sent traders and residents fleeing as explosions rocked the busy market.

One of the survivors, Abu Goni, while speaking with Punch, said the incident occurred shortly after Maghrib prayers, while trading activities were still ongoing.

He stated, “I went to the market with my horse. All of a sudden, a jet came. I didn’t even know what was going on, and everyone there did not pay attention to the jet.

“We were there after Maghrib prayer around six before the strike began. After the strike, some died, some did not die, but I thank God I am alive.”

Goni dismissed claims that the market was linked to insurgent activities, insisting that it served as a normal livestock trading point.

“To be honest, I am not aware of that. Around six years ago, soldiers once settled there, but now it’s just a normal market where we sell domestic animals.

“In the whole market, there are no houses or buildings; only goats and sheep are sold. People bring animals, sell, and return home,”

he added.

Another survivor, Bulama Balo, alleged that several fighter jets participated in the operation, saying they appeared to take turns during the strike.

“Three jets came, sometimes three, sometimes two. They were interchanging. The first one came, dropped fire, the second one came and dropped its own too,” he said.

According to him, survivors fled to the nearby Maigumeri community after the incident.

“Around 3 o’clock in the night after the incident, we went to Maigumeri and slept there. Around 9 o’clock this morning, we went to the General Hospital,” Balo said.

He added that some victims were later referred to a teaching hospital for further treatment.

Zulum Says Market Was Closed

Meanwhile, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, said the Jilli market had been shut down about five years ago.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, the governor explained that Jilli and another market in the area were previously closed because they were allegedly used as logistics hubs by insurgents.

He added that he had been briefed on the airstrike and was consulting with the Yobe State Government and military authorities over the development.

Zulum also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting security operations while protecting law-abiding citizens.