The Federal Government has defended the recent airstrike in the Jilli axis of Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State, describing it as a carefully executed precision counter-terrorism operation carried out under Operation HADIN KAI by the Nigerian Air Force.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the April 11 strike was intelligence-led and specifically targeted confirmed terrorist positions in the volatile North-East corridor.
According to the government, the operation was conducted in coordination with ground forces as part of a broader strategy to dismantle insurgent networks and disrupt logistics systems used by extremist groups operating in the region.
Officials explained that the Jilli axis—also referred to locally as “Kasu Daulaye”—had long been identified through sustained surveillance as a major enclave and supply hub for fighters linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The Nigerian Air Force said the strike followed rigorous intelligence gathering, reconnaissance, and target validation processes before execution, emphasizing that the mission was aimed at neutralising terrorist elements and destroying critical infrastructure supporting insurgent operations.
Military authorities further stated that the airstrike successfully hit its intended target with high accuracy, eliminating several دہشتorists and crippling their logistics base in the area.
The operation forms part of sustained air and ground offensives under Operation HADIN KAI, Nigeria’s flagship counter-insurgency campaign against Boko Haram and its affiliates in the North-East.
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Follow-up mop-up strikes were also reportedly conducted to target fleeing insurgents and prevent regrouping, reinforcing ongoing efforts to stabilise the region and protect civilian populations.
However, the strike has generated controversy amid reports from local sources and humanitarian organisations alleging significant civilian casualties, with claims that the affected location included a busy market.
While acknowledging that investigations may be necessary, the Federal Government maintained that the operation was based on credible intelligence and formed part of legitimate military efforts to combat terrorism and restore security across the North-East.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to precision targeting, civilian protection, and the ultimate goal of ending insurgency in the region
