A devastating airstrike by the Nigerian military on a bustling market has resulted in the loss of as many as 200 lives, predominantly civilians, igniting widespread condemnation and calls for accountability. The incident, which unfolded in Jilli market, located on the border of Borno and Yobe states, has raised serious concerns regarding the military’s approach amid its ongoing campaign against the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Civilian Casualties in Anti-Terrorism Operations
The airstrike, which took place on Saturday, has been described by military officials as a “precision airstrike” aimed at a known terrorist stronghold. However, local reports and eyewitness accounts paint a starkly different picture. Witnesses have stated that the market was filled with ordinary traders and shoppers, with no apparent presence of militants at the time of the attack.
Mala Garba, a local trader recuperating in a Maiduguri hospital, expressed his disbelief, stating, “I don’t know if there were jihadists at the market. We are just ordinary people.” His experience reflects the sentiments of many survivors who are grappling with the aftermath of this tragedy.
Local councillor Lawan Zanna Nur Geidam confirmed the extent of the disaster, asserting that over 200 lives had been lost due to the airstrike. The Yobe state government later acknowledged that civilians were indeed affected, with Brigadier General Dahiru Abdulsalam stating, “Some people who went to the Jilli weekly market were affected.”
Military Justification and Civilian Impact
The Nigerian military defended its actions, claiming the airstrike was based on “sustained intelligence” and aimed to dismantle a logistics hub for ISWAP. Military spokesperson Sani Uba asserted, “Post-strike assessment confirmed that the target area was struck with high accuracy.” Yet, experts have cast doubt on this narrative. Malik Samuel, a researcher with Good Governance Africa, highlighted the impossibility of accurately targeting fighters in such a crowded area, questioning the military’s strategy: “Would it not be better to trace people leaving the market and going to known areas occupied by this group?”
The ongoing conflict in Nigeria, marked by the insurgency of Boko Haram and its offshoot, ISWAP, has led to a substantial civilian death toll from military operations. Since 2017, airstrikes have reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 500 civilians, with notable incidents over the years underscoring the tragic consequences of military actions.
Accountability and Trust Issues
The consistent pattern of civilian casualties in military operations raises pressing concerns about accountability within the Nigerian armed forces. Isa Sanusi, the executive director of Amnesty International Nigeria, voiced doubts about the military’s ability to conduct impartial investigations, stating, “You cannot trust the military to investigate themselves.” He warned that the ongoing airstrikes could erode public trust in governmental institutions and hinder efforts to combat insurgency effectively.
The United States has previously criticized Nigeria for its failure to protect civilians from jihadist violence, highlighting the complex and dangerous environment for both Muslim and Christian communities. As the situation unfolds, both domestic and international observers are calling for a reassessment of military strategies that prioritise civilian safety.
Why it Matters
This tragic incident not only underscores the fragility of security in Nigeria but also highlights the urgent need for a more accountable and transparent military strategy that prioritises civilian lives. The airstrike’s aftermath reflects broader tensions within Nigeria regarding governance, military conduct, and the ongoing struggle against terrorism. As the nation grapples with these issues, the call for justice and accountability grows louder, demanding a re-evaluation of how anti-terrorism efforts are conducted in the face of significant civilian risk.