Several civilians have been killed and many others injured after a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) airstrike mistakenly struck a busy market along the border of Borno State and Yobe State.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening at Dilli Market, a commercial hub that attracts traders and buyers from surrounding communities. According to local sources, the airstrike was part of an ongoing military operation targeting suspected insurgents believed to be operating in the area.
Eyewitness accounts indicated that the fighter jet was tracking suspected militants but missed its intended target, hitting the crowded market instead. Several people were reportedly killed, while many others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Confirming the development, a spokesperson for the Yobe State Police Command said authorities were aware of the incident, adding that casualty figures were still being verified. He noted that security agencies had been deployed to assess the situation and gather accurate information.
Residents said the market is often frequented by both civilians and suspected insurgents, who allegedly visit to collect levies and procure supplies—raising concerns about the risks of military operations in populated areas.
Emergency response efforts were ongoing as of the time of filing this report, with injured victims receiving treatment in nearby hospitals in surrounding towns.
As of press time, the Nigerian Air Force had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
The development underscores the continuing dangers faced by civilians in Nigeria’s conflict-affected northeast, where military offensives against insurgent groups often take place close to civilian settlements.