The Federal Government has defended the Nigerian Air Force airstrike carried out on April 11, 2026, in the Jilli axis of Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State, describing it as a precision, intelligence-led operation against a major terrorist enclave.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris said the strike, conducted under Operation HADIN KAI, was based on credible intelligence and sustained surveillance of Boko Haram and ISWAP activities.
He said the Jilli axis, locally known as “Kasu Daulaye” and described as a “terrorists’ market,” had long served as a logistics hub for insurgents, including levy collection and attack planning.
Idris said the operation was carefully targeted at confirmed insurgent positions, not indiscriminate, but expressed regret over reported civilian casualties and condoled with affected families.
According to him, the strike followed weeks of surveillance, reinforced by developments including the arrest in Ngamdu of a 15-year-old ISWAP courier who allegedly confessed to moving funds and supplies linked to Jilli operations.
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He also cited earlier action by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, who reportedly ordered the closure of Jilli and nearby Gazabure markets due to insurgent activity, which he said supported the intelligence used.
The Bindul–Jilli corridor remains a known hotspot, with recent incidents including an IED attack on troops in January 2026 and coordinated assaults in Ngamdu and Benisheikh earlier in April.
Following public concern, the Federal Government announced a full, independent investigation into the airstrike, covering intelligence, targeting, and execution.
It said humanitarian response is being coordinated with the Borno and Yobe State governments, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and State Emergency Management Agencies.
Authorities urged residents to comply with security advisories and avoid restricted areas, stressing that civilian cooperation is vital. They also warned against unverified reports that could undermine security operations.
Reaffirming its stance, the government cited 386 convictions from 508 terrorism-related cases and the listing of 48 individuals and entities linked to terrorism financing, noting intensified efforts to dismantle insurgent networks.