Amnesty International has strongly condemned the recent military airstrike on Jilli market in Borno State, describing the operation as “reckless” and calling for an immediate and independent investigation into reports of civilian deaths.
In a statement released over the weekend, the global human rights organisation said more than 100 people may have been killed in the strike, based on accounts from witnesses in the area. According to the group, military jets reportedly bombed the busy market, raising fears that many innocent civilians were caught in the attack.
Amnesty International criticised the use of air power in such a setting, arguing that it is not suitable for law enforcement or operations in civilian areas.
“Launching air raids is not a legitimate law enforcement method by anyone’s standard,” the organisation said. “Such reckless use of deadly force is unlawful, outrageous and shows a shocking disregard for the lives of those it is meant to protect.”
The group urged Nigerian authorities to carry out a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident and ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable.
The airstrike has sparked widespread concern, especially as it comes amid ongoing efforts by the Nigerian military to defeat Boko Haram insurgents in the North-East. Jilli market, located near the border between Borno and Yobe states, has long been considered a sensitive area due to its proximity to communities affected by insurgency.
For more than a decade, Borno State has been the epicentre of the Boko Haram crisis, which has led to the deaths of thousands and displaced millions of people. In response, the Nigerian military has carried out several operations, including airstrikes, to target insurgent hideouts and supply routes.
However, incidents involving civilian casualties have continued to raise questions about the methods used in the fight against insurgency. Human rights groups have repeatedly called for better safeguards to protect innocent people living in conflict zones.
In response to the latest allegations, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) announced that it has launched an investigation into the reported civilian casualties.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF said it has activated its Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation Cell to carry out a fact-finding mission at the scene of the incident.
According to the statement, the Chief of the Air Staff has directed the team to immediately proceed to the location and gather all necessary information to determine what happened.
“The Service treats all reports of possible civilian harm with the utmost seriousness and empathy,” the statement said. “The protection of innocent lives remains central to all NAF operations.”
The Air Force also assured the public that it is committed to professionalism, accountability, and transparency in all its missions. It added that it would work closely with relevant authorities and community representatives during the investigation.
The response from the NAF is seen as part of efforts to address growing public concern and maintain trust in the military’s operations. In recent years, the armed forces have introduced measures aimed at reducing civilian harm, including improved intelligence gathering and coordination with local communities.
Despite these efforts, experts say the nature of the conflict makes it difficult to avoid such incidents completely. Boko Haram fighters are known to operate within civilian populations, often using local markets and villages as cover for their activities. This makes it challenging for the military to carry out strikes without risking harm to innocent people.
The situation is further complicated by the economic realities in the region. Many residents depend on local markets like Jilli for their daily needs and livelihoods. Even in areas considered unsafe, people often continue to gather for trade due to a lack of alternatives.
This has created a difficult balance between security operations and the need to protect civilian life. While the military aims to disrupt insurgent activities, any mistake can have serious consequences for local communities.
Community leaders and civil society groups have continued to call for more caution in the use of force, especially in populated areas. They stress the importance of accurate intelligence and careful planning to minimise the risk of civilian casualties.
The latest incident has once again brought attention to the need for accountability and transparency in military operations. Observers say a credible investigation will be important not only to establish the facts but also to reassure the public.
For residents of Borno and neighbouring states, the priority remains safety and a return to normal life after years of conflict. Many hope that ongoing efforts by the government and security agencies will bring lasting peace without putting more civilian lives at risk.