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The Nigerian Air Force has opened an investigation into reports of civilian casualties following airstrikes around Jilli Market in Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State.
In a statement, spokesman Ehimen Ejodame said the service is taking the allegations seriously amid rising concern from residents.
“It treats all reports of possible civilian harm with the utmost seriousness and empathy.”
“The CAS has directed an immediate activation of the Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation Cell (CHAI-Cell) to immediately proceed to the location on a fact-finding mission on the allegation.”
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The Air Force had earlier confirmed carrying out mop-up strikes in the Jilli axis as part of ongoing operations against insurgents, but did not state whether civilians were affected.
“Coming amid intensified efforts to track and neutralise terrorist elements responsible for recent attacks on security forces within the wider theatre, the follow-on strikes were aimed at fleeing remnants and regrouping cells seeking to exploit the difficult terrain.”
Residents, however, said the strike hit during market hours, with several people feared dead and others injured, while hospitals in Geidam struggle to cope with the influx of victims.
