The Nigerian Army has released a video in which a suspected Boko Haram member confesses that those present at Jilli Market during a recent airstrike were allegedly part of the group’s logistics operations. The footage, shared by the military, shows the young man being interrogated about the movement patterns and operational activities of his associates, as well as the roles of other suspected members linked to recent attacks.
This development follows a military air operation at Jilli Market, where at least 56 people, mostly traders, were reported killed after an airstrike along the Borno-Yobe border. The incident occurred on Saturday in the border area between Gubio and Geidam. Four fighter jets were reportedly involved in the operation, which targeted suspected Boko Haram fighters.
The Nigerian Air Force has defended the strikes, stating they were carried out based on credible intelligence and in coordination with ground forces. The military’s release of the video appears aimed at justifying the operation amid growing scrutiny over civilian casualties.
The Jilli Market airstrike has reignited concerns over the impact of military operations on civilian populations in conflict zones. While the Nigerian authorities maintain that their actions are necessary to combat Boko Haram, the high death toll among traders has drawn criticism from human rights groups and local communities. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges in balancing counterterrorism efforts with the protection of civilians in Nigeria’s northeastern region.
