The Federal Government has described the recent airstrike in the Jilli axis of Gubio Local Government Area, Borno State, as a precision counter-terrorism operation under Operation HADIN KAI carried out by the Nigerian Air Force.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, insisted that the operation was not indiscriminate, stressing that the area had long been designated a high-risk zone with security advisories restricting civilian movement.
The statement provided an official account of the airstrike that reportedly resulted in some civilian casualties.
The full statement is published below…
FMINO @FMINONigeria PRESS STATEMENT
Federal Government of Nigeria @NigeriaGov on the Jilli Axis Airstrike of 11 April, 2026
On 11 April 2026, the Nigerian Air Force @NigAirForce, under Operation HADIN KAI, carried out a precision counter-terrorism strike on confirmed terrorist targets in the Jilli axis, Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.
The Federal Government reiterates that this was a deliberate, intelligence-led operation, not an indiscriminate attack, conducted in one of the most active insurgent corridors in the North-East. The area had been designated a high-risk zone with clear security advisories restricting civilian presence.
The Government extends its deepest condolences to the families of those affected and sympathises with the injured. Every Nigerian life is sacred, and any loss of civilian life is deeply regretted.
The operation followed sustained intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. The Jilli axis, locally known as “Kasu Daulaye” (the terrorists’ market), has long functioned as an insurgent-controlled enclave. Intelligence confirmed that Boko Haram and ISWAP operatives used the area to collect levies, procure supplies, and coordinate attacks.
This assessment was reinforced on 12 April 2026, when troops apprehended a 15-year-old ISWAP courier, Tijjani, in Ngamdu. He admitted moving funds and logistics between Jilli and other locations, highlighting the depth of terrorist activity in the area and the exploitation of civilians, including minors.
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum also confirmed that Jilli and Gazabure markets had been officially closed five years ago due to insurgent control, describing the area as a known hub for terrorist operations. This aligns with intelligence that informed the strike.
The Bindul–Jilli axis has consistently been identified as a major terrorist corridor. In January 2026, troops suffered casualties from an IED attack along the route, while coordinated attacks in Ngamdu and Benisheikh on 9 April were linked to the same network. The 11 April strike followed weeks of surveillance in response to escalating threats.
After a rigorous targeting process, the Nigerian Air Force, working with the Nigerian Army, confirmed the presence of terrorist elements and executed the strike to disrupt supply lines and degrade insurgent capacity.
The Federal Government has ordered a full and independent investigation into the incident. This will review intelligence, targeting, and execution, and we will address any gaps and ensure accountability where needed. The protection of civilian lives remains a core obligation of the Armed Forces.
The government is working with the Borno and Yobe State Governments, as well as NEMA and SEMA, to provide humanitarian support to affected families. Operational safeguards will also be strengthened.
Civilians are urged to strictly observe security advisories, avoid restricted zones, and cooperate with security agencies. Public cooperation is essential in conflict areas.
The Federal Government calls on the media to act with responsibility in reporting security matters. In times of crisis, unverified reporting can mislead the public, embolden terrorists, and undermine national efforts.
The Federal Government stresses that press freedom must be matched with responsibility. The public deserves verified and accurate information, especially on matters of national security.
Nigeria continues to demonstrate its commitment to defeating terrorism through concrete action. The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, recently disclosed that 386 convictions were secured from 508 terrorism-related cases in a landmark trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The convictions, involving Boko Haram and ISWAP suspects, included sentences up to life imprisonment, with offenders found guilty of providing material support to insurgents.
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