Civilians feared dead as airstrike hits Nigerian market near Yobe-Borno border

A Nigerian air operation is reported to have hit a village market near the border of Yobe and Borno states as part of efforts against Islamist militants in the region. The air force says it carried out mop-up strikes on identified terrorist locations within the Jilli axis of Borno State, but it has not confirmed whether the market was hit or whether there were casualties. The area is at the heart of the Boko Haram insurgency, which has displaced millions and left thousands dead.

There are conflicting reports on the death toll. Some local officials and news outlets cite figures ranging from dozens to hundreds, with Reuters reporting up to 200 killed based on statements from a councillor and residents, while other outlets have spoken of smaller numbers. Accounts vary between 10 killed, 56, or more than a dozen injured. The market is described as a weekly gathering that draws traders from surrounding communities.

Efforts to verify the casualty figures are ongoing. The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency said it had received preliminary reports and was working to confirm the information, as aid groups warned of the potential impact on civilians in a volatile region.

The incident comes amid a long-running insurgency in northeast Nigeria that has prompted large-scale displacement and humanitarian challenges. Authorities have emphasized the need to track the situation carefully and provide relief where needed while continuing military operations against militant networks.

As observers await clearer casualty numbers, the incident underscores the risks to civilians in conflict zones and the difficulties in obtaining accurate news from areas affected by fighting. Officials have pledged to share verified updates as soon as they become available.

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