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In a harrowing episode that underscores the ongoing turmoil in Nigeria’s northeast, an airstrike by the Nigerian military has devastated the bustling Jilli market, resulting in the deaths of up to 200 individuals, many of whom were civilians. This incident has reignited a fierce debate over the military’s tactics in its prolonged battle against jihadist groups, particularly the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Amidst the wreckage, survivors are left grappling with the question: why target a crowded market?
A Catastrophic Misjudgment
The airstrike, which took place on Saturday in the border region between Borno and Yobe states, has drawn widespread condemnation. Local officials reported that the toll had reached over 200 fatalities, while human rights organisations, such as Amnesty International, indicated that the death count may exceed 100 and continue to climb. The military has framed the operation as a “precision airstrike,” claiming it was aimed at a known ISWAP stronghold.
Military spokesperson Sani Uba asserted in a post on social media that the operation was executed with high accuracy, resulting in substantial damage to terrorist infrastructure and the neutralisation of numerous combatants. However, the chaos and destruction left in the aftermath contradict such claims.
Mala Garba, a local trader recovering from wounds at a hospital in Maiduguri, offered a stark reminder of the human cost of military operations. “I don’t know if there were jihadists at the market. We are just ordinary people,” he lamented, highlighting the disconnect between military objectives and civilian realities.
The Human Cost of War
Lawan Zanna Nur Geidam, a local councillor, echoed the sentiments of many in the region, stating, “It’s a very devastating incident at Jilli market. Over 200 people have lost their lives from the airstrike.” This tragedy is not an isolated event; it is part of a disturbing pattern where military operations have resulted in significant civilian casualties.
Since 2017, the Nigerian military has been implicated in the deaths of at least 500 civilians during airstrikes. Notable incidents include a 2017 bombing of a camp for displaced persons in Borno, which claimed at least 115 lives, and a December 2023 strike on a religious gathering in Kaduna state that killed over 120 individuals. Such figures raise alarming questions about the military’s operational protocols and their commitment to civilian safety.
The Dilemma of Targeting
While some analysts contend that ISWAP operatives may have been present at the market—an area known for its strategic significance to the group—the reality of aerial bombardments in such crowded spaces remains contentious. Malik Samuel, a researcher with Good Governance Africa, pointed out, “It would have been impossible to distinguish between fighters and civilians at a busy market.” He suggested that alternative approaches, such as monitoring individuals departing the market, might yield better results without risking innocent lives.
Brigadier General Dahiru Abdulsalam, a military adviser to the Yobe state government, eventually conceded that civilians were indeed affected by the strike. This acknowledgment, however, does little to alleviate the fears and frustrations of a populace caught in the crossfire of an unyielding conflict.
Accountability and Trust Erosion
The implications of this airstrike extend beyond immediate casualties; it raises profound concerns about accountability within the military. Human rights advocates, including Isa Sanusi, the executive director of Amnesty International Nigeria, argue that self-investigations by the military often lead to exoneration rather than genuine accountability. “These deadly airstrikes will undermine trust in public institutions and will even undermine the fight against insurgency and banditry,” he warned.
Moreover, the persistent lack of accountability fosters an environment where military excesses can continue unchecked. As Nigeria grapples with multiple conflicts, the fallout from such tragic miscalculations threatens to erode public confidence in the very institutions tasked with safeguarding them.
Why it Matters
The devastating airstrike on Jilli market is more than just another chapter in Nigeria’s ongoing conflict; it is a stark reminder of the grave consequences of military operations in densely populated areas. With civilian lives at stake, the need for accountability and a reassessment of military tactics has never been more pressing. As Nigeria continues to battle groups like ISWAP and Boko Haram, the voices of those caught in the crossfire must not be silenced. Their plight highlights the urgent necessity for a more humane and strategic approach, one that prioritises the protection of innocent lives amidst the chaos of war.