On Sunday, the Nigerian Air Force stated that an airstrike which struck a market in northeastern Nigeria was an “accidental bombing.” However, local media and human rights organizations reported that the attack resulted in the deaths of over 100 civilians, including women and children.
The airstrike targeted the village of Jiri, situated in Yobe state near the Borno border, an area notorious for jihadi activity. The initial statement from the Nigerian Air Force claimed the strikes were part of a “clearance” operation aimed at dealing with remnants of terrorist groups that take advantage of the challenging terrain.
While the military asserted that the target was a “known terrorist site” linked to Boko Haram, subsequent local reports revealed that a civilian market in Jiri was bombed, leading to significant civilian casualties.
Amnesty International cited eyewitness reports of at least 100 dead, with local authorities estimating “the total number of dead and injured at around 200.”
“We have photos, including some of children,” remarked Isa Sanusi, the AI director in Nigeria, as reported by the Associated Press.
AI labeled the airstrike as an inappropriate law enforcement method. They condemned the reckless use of force, calling it unlawful and highlighting the Nigerian military’s alarming indifference to the lives they are meant to protect.
Nigerian media described Jiri’s market as a bustling area frequented by traders and consumers from nearby communities. The Associated Press noted that Boko Haram fighters have a history of shopping for supplies there. Military analyst Abdulmumin Bulama suggested that the Nigerian military may have been acting on “credible intelligence” regarding a potential gathering of Boko Haram militants preparing for a significant offensive.
On Monday, the Nigerian military reiterated that it had targeted a “terrorist enclave and logistics base” near Jiri. They noted that Boko Haram and Islamic State combatants typically approach villages on motorcycles, and a spike in motorcycle activity around the target area raised concerns about possible jihadi movement. Consequently, the Nigerian government has prohibited motorcycle use in conflict zones.
Reuters mentioned six previous instances where Nigeria carried out airstrikes against jihadist targets, resulting in civilian deaths over the past few years. If current reports are accurate, the Kiri bombing might surpass previous airstrikes in terms of civilian fatalities.
The Nigerian government has notably intensified its counterterrorism efforts over the past year, driven by pressure from President Donald Trump to enhance protection for vulnerable Christian communities against jihadists, along with growing discontent among Nigerians regarding safety in various parts of the nation. Initially tense, relations between President Trump and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu have become more cooperative in early 2026, with the Pentagon announcing in February plans to send U.S. troops to train the Nigerian military in counterterrorism strategies.
