On April 11, 2026, Nigeria’s military launched a precision airstrike on a suspected ISWAP logistics hub near Jilli village in Borno State, targeting gun trucks and fighters based on drone intelligence.

Report claimed that 56 traders died and up to 200 in total when bombs struck a weekly market, while the army insists only terrorists were hit in a banned zone closed five years ago as an insurgent hub.

Borno Governor Zulum defended the action, troops arrested a teen ISWAP suspect nearby, and the Air Force launched a fact-finding probe into civilian casualty reports amid opposition calls for accountability.

The former vice president Atiku Abubakar  expresses outrage in a statement on X questioning about the value of human lives.

Abubakar wrote: “The Jilli market airstrike that killed scores of innocent traders is not just tragic, but a devastating failure that must outrage every conscience.

“While targeting insurgents, innocent Nigerians were once again reduced to collateral damage. How long will citizens remain unsafe both from terrorists and from the very operations meant to protect them?  Just a few days ago,  the United States deployed over 150 aircraft and spent an estimated $300 million to rescue just one pilot in Iran, even destroying equipment worth over $100 million each to protect a single life. That is the value they place on one citizen.

“Here at home, we must ask: what is the value of Nigerian lives? This demands urgent review, accountability, and decisive action to prevent a recurrence.

“My heartfelt condolences go to the bereaved families and affected communities. Nigeria must uphold its duty to protect its citizen.  That is the ultimate essence of National Security.’