The Federal Government has dismissed the insinuation that the Jilli airstrike was an indiscriminate attack but “a deliberate, intelligence-led operation” targeted at insurgents in the North East.
There were reports of casualties involving innocent civilians.
But Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, said the operation followed sustained intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, disclosing that the area had been designated a high-risk zone with clear security advisories restricting civilian presence.
Alhaji Mohammed in a statement on Tuesday, added that “The Jilli axis, locally known as ‘Kasu Daulaye’ (the terrorists’ market), has long functioned as an insurgent-controlled enclave.
“Intelligence confirmed that Boko Haram and ISWAP operatives used the area to collect levies, procure supplies, and coordinate attacks.”
According to him, the assessment was reinforced on April 12, 2026, when troops apprehended a 15-year-old ISWAP courier, Tijjani, in Ngamdu, who he added, admitted moving funds and logistics between Jilli and other locations.
This, he said, highlights the depth of terrorist activity in the area and the exploitation of civilians, including minors.
Alhaji Idris further disclosed that Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum also confirmed that Jilli and Gazabure markets had been officially closed five years ago due to insurgent control, describing the area as a known hub for terrorist operations.
“This aligns with intelligence that informed the strike,” he stated.
The minister added that Bindul–Jilli axis has consistently been identified as a major terrorist corridor.
“In January 2026, troops suffered casualties from an IED attack along the route, while coordinated attacks in Ngamdu and Benisheikh on 9 April were linked to the same network.
“The 11 April strike followed weeks of surveillance in response to escalating threats,” he said.
Alhaji Idris also added that after a rigorous targeting process, the Nigerian Air Force, working with the Nigerian Army, confirmed the presence of terrorist elements and executed the strike to disrupt supply lines and degrade insurgent capacity.
He however disclosed that the Federal Government has ordered a full and independent investigation into the incident.
“This will review intelligence, targeting, and execution, and we will address any gaps and ensure accountability where needed.
“The protection of civilian lives remains a core obligation of the Armed Forces,” he assured.
The minister said the government is working with the Borno and Yobe State governments, as well as NEMA and SEMA, to provide humanitarian support to affected families.
“Operational safeguards will also be strengthened,” he stated.
He advised civilians to strictly observe security advisories, avoid restricted zones, and cooperate with security agencies.
“Public cooperation is essential in conflict areas,” the minister stated, and called on the media to act with responsibility in reporting security matters.
“In times of crisis, unverified reporting can mislead the public, embolden terrorists, and undermine national efforts,” he said, and assured that the Nigeria government will continue to demonstrate its commitment to defeating terrorism through concrete action.
The minister recalled that the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, recently disclosed that 386 convictions were secured from 508 terrorism-related cases in a landmark trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The convictions, he said, involved Boko Haram and ISWAP suspects, noting that some were sentenced to life imprisonment.
“Observers from Amnesty International, the Nigerian Bar Association, and the National Human Rights Commission monitored the trials.
“The government has also published a list of 48 individuals and entities linked to terrorism financing, reinforcing that there is no safe haven for those who support terrorism,” he noted.
Alhaji Idris assured the Federal Government commitment to defeating terrorism and banditry, adding that government will not allow the exploitation of tragic incidents to weaken national resolve or undermine the mission of the Armed Forces.
