Nigerian Air Force Strikes Market in Yobe State, Leaving Over 100 Dead
A devastating military airstrike on a crowded market in northeast Nigeria has left more than 100 people dead, according to reports from Amnesty International. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, April 12, 2026, highlights the precarious nature of civilian life in regions where the military actively campaigns against insurgent groups.
The attack targeted the village of Jilli in Yobe State, located near the border of Borno State. This region serves as the primary epicenter for the Boko Haram insurgency, which has plagued the area for over a decade. Amnesty International’s Nigerian office condemned the strike via X, stating that the military action took place in the Jalli Futchimiram Geidam local government area.
“Amnistía Internacional condena enérgicamente el ataque aéreo militar que causó la muerte de más de cien personas en el área de gobierno local de Jalli Futchimiram Geidam, en el estado de Yobe”
Witnesses reported that three military aircraft carried out the bombing of the market. The aftermath was severe, with the Geidam General Hospital reporting the admission of 35 individuals suffering from critical injuries. The scale of the tragedy underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing counter-terrorism operations with the protection of non-combatants in conflict zones.
Amnesty International has characterized the event as an “indignante” and illegal employ of lethal force, asserting that “air strikes do not constitute a legitimate method of law enforcement under any circumstances.” The organization has called for an immediate, impartial investigation by Nigerian authorities to ensure those responsible are held accountable.
The Nigerian government and military have offered a starkly different account of the events. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) confirmed that it conducted strikes against “terrorist positions” in the northeast as part of a “coordinated air-land integration operation” involving ground troops. Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, spokesperson for the NAF, described the missions as precision bombings.
a spokesperson for the Nigerian president denied reports that the market was hit by mistake, describing the location as a “legitimate military target.” The administration dismissed claims that the deceased were innocent civilians, stating that such versions of events are “totally false.”
The Nigerian military frequently targets vast forested enclaves in the region to combat the Islamic State and Boko Haram. This latest incident adds to the growing international concern over civilian casualties resulting from the state’s strategy to neutralize these armed groups.
