The Federal Government has defended the April 11 airstrike on the Jilli axis in Gubio Local Council of Borno State, stating that the operation was carefully planned to weaken terrorists’ logistics and disrupt their movement.
It also assured families of military and police personnel killed in a recent attack in Shanga Local Council of Kebbi State that they would not be abandoned.
Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has demanded an investigation into a recent airstrike on a market in a part of Yobe State bordering Borno, which claimed many lives. It requested inclusion in the investigative team alongside the National Assembly and representatives of affected communities.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated yesterday that the Jilli strike was based on credible intelligence and carried out by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK).
He said the location targeted had long been identified as a stronghold of insurgents, where members of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) were known to gather, collect levies, and organise attacks.
“The operation was a deliberate, intelligence-led mission, not an indiscriminate attack,” the minister said.
The government explained that the Jilli axis, often referred to locally as ‘Kasu Daulaye’, had for years served as a meeting point for insurgents and a channel for supplies. It added that the area had already been classified as dangerous, with advisories warning civilians to stay away.
While acknowledging reports of civilian casualties, the government expressed sympathy with affected families and those injured.
“Every Nigerian life is sacred, and any loss of civilian life is deeply regretted,” the minister said.
Authorities said the strike followed weeks of surveillance after increased attacks were traced to the same network operating along the Bindul–Jilli corridor.
Speaking on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to the welfare of fallen heroes and their families, pledging sustained support and recognition of their sacrifices.
Shettima gave the assurance yesterday in Birnin Kebbi during a condolence visit to Governor Nasir Idris over the killing of security personnel, as well as the death of the Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Muhammad Zuru, who passed away in Cairo, Egypt, on April 7.
He stressed that the Federal Government would ensure that the sacrifices of officers of the armed forces and other security agencies were not in vain.
“We are here at the instance of the President to commiserate with you and the good people of Kebbi over the tragic developments of the past few days,” Shettima said. “The loss of the Speaker, the destruction in Shanga, and the killing of our gallant officers are deeply painful. Our hearts are with you.”
Shettima disclosed that the President had directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials to affected communities and families of the deceased officers.
He added that the President mandated him to visit the state alongside the agency’s leadership to ensure immediate intervention and support for displaced persons.
In his remarks, Governor Idris said security agencies in Kebbi were working closely with the state government to address emerging threats, noting improvements in response and coordination.
He thanked the Federal Government for the high-level condolence visit and disclosed that the state had donated N60 million to support the families of the 11 slain officers.
According to a statement yesterday, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, offered his condolences to the families of the victims and condemned the strike.
Ojukwu called for an “immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into the Yobe market airstrike. Such an investigation must not be left solely to the Nigerian Air Force.”
He added, “It must include the NHRC, the National Assembly, independent experts, and representatives of affected communities to guarantee impartiality and public confidence.
“Accountability at all levels of command. All persons involved in the chain of command—from intelligence assessment and mission authorisation to the pilots who executed the strike—must be identified and, where culpability is established, held to account in accordance with the law.”
He also requested the suspension of officers directly involved, pending investigation.
