Outrage and scrutiny mounted over an airstrike near the Borno–Yobe border in Jilli, as the military defended its intelligence-led operation targeting an ISWAP logistics hub, despite reports of escalating civilian deaths. The incident, which saw the death toll rise to over 60 with more bodies recovered and injured victims evacuated to hospitals in Geidam and Damaturu, prompted widespread demands for accountability and a formal probe from various sectors of Nigerian society.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar swiftly condemned the airstrike, characterizing it as a grave failure in civilian protection. He highlighted the serious national concern posed by the loss of civilian lives during security operations, questioning existing safeguards and the value placed on Nigerian lives. Atiku urged an urgent review of military engagement protocols to ensure transparency, responsibility, and corrective actions, drawing parallels with international practices where significant resources are deployed to protect human life.

Amnesty International also decried the airstrike, citing witness accounts of three military jets firing on the market and reporting that Geidam General Hospital's emergency unit had received at least 35 severely injured individuals. The organization condemned the use of air raids in such circumstances as unlawful, stating that it reflects a disregard for civilian lives. It called for an immediate, impartial investigation by Nigerian authorities to hold those responsible accountable.

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) described the incident as tragic and troubling, pointing to a recurring pattern of civilian harm in counterterrorism operations. CISLAC's Executive Director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa, noted that similar incidents often stem from structural gaps, including weak intelligence verification, limited precision-targeting capabilities, and operational pressure for rapid results. He demanded a credible, civilian-led investigative panel comprising the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), civil society actors, and international observers to ensure accountability and public disclosure of findings, alongside adequate compensation for victims and their families.

CISLAC further recommended the immediate adoption of a comprehensive civilian protection framework. This framework would institutionalize civilian harm mitigation and response measures, such as mandatory civilian risk assessments before strikes, the creation of no-strike lists for sensitive locations like markets and hospitals, and real-time abort protocols when civilian presence is detected. The group also urged the Nigerian military to adopt global best practices in counterterrorism, including multi-layered intelligence verification, persistent surveillance, and improved civil-military coordination with local actors.

The Yobe State Government, through its Special Adviser on Security Matters, Dahiru Abdulsalam, clarified that the airstrike targeted a Boko Haram stronghold in Jilli, Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State, not civilians. Abdulsalam explained that residents from Geidam Local Government Area in Yobe were affected because they had travelled to the weekly market, confirming that victims were evacuated to Geidam Specialist Hospital for treatment. The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) corroborated this, describing it as an accidental air strike involving civilians at Jilli Saturday Market and detailing the activation of emergency response measures.

In response to the allegations, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ordered an immediate investigation. Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, spokesman for the service, confirmed that the Chief of Air Staff had directed the activation of the Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation Cell (CHAI-Cell) to conduct a fact-finding mission. The NAF reiterated its commitment to professionalism, accountability, transparency, and the protection of civilian lives, urging the public and media to refrain from speculation during the ongoing probe.

Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, defended the airstrike as a necessary military action against a known terrorist logistics base. He stated that the operation was based on credible intelligence linking Jilli market to Boko Haram and ISWAP activities, noting the market's history as a terrorist hub where insurgents collected levies and procured supplies. While regretting civilian impact, Buratai attributed it to terrorists deliberately embedding within civilian populations as human shields, advising residents to avoid markets infiltrated by insurgents and calling for public support for the armed forces.

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, issued a stern warning against aiding or harboring Boko Haram insurgents, stating that Jilli market was an insurgent hub closed by the Borno State Government five years prior. He confirmed consultation with Yobe State and military authorities, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to protecting residents and collaborating with security agencies. Zulum urged vigilance and credible information sharing from residents to aid ongoing operations.

The Jilli incident occurred amidst broader concerns over Nigeria's worsening security landscape. Former presidential candidate Gbenga Hashim raised alarm about “underreported” killings across various regions, highlighting a persistent and widening security breakdown. He pointed to incidents in Kebbi and North-Central states, where attacks have resulted in dozens of deaths, often receiving limited national and international attention, suggesting the scale of violence is being underestimated and normalized.

Similarly, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation Afenifere expressed deep concern over a pattern of coordinated attacks targeting both military formations and civilians nationwide. Citing attacks on military bases in Borno and civilian abductions in Ondo, among other states, Afenifere linked the near-simultaneous nature of these incidents to internal sabotage within security forces, collaboration between bandits and informants, and external interests. The group called for a comprehensive review of internal security systems, removal of saboteurs, and enhanced surveillance tools like drones to intercept armed groups.