An airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force has reportedly resulted in civilian casualties at Dilli Market along the border between Yobe State and Borno State, with local sources claiming at least 10 people were killed and several others injured.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening at the busy market, which serves traders and buyers from nearby communities including Giedam in Yobe State and Gubio and Benisheikh in Borno State.
Confirming the development, the Public Relations Officer of the Yobe State Police Command, Dungus Abdulkarim, said authorities were aware of the incident but had yet to verify casualty figures.
“We are aware of the incident that occurred at Dilli Market along the Borno–Yobe border, and we are currently gathering information on what transpired,” Abdulkarim said. “At this moment, we do not have confirmed casualty figures, as details are still being verified.”
He added that security agencies had been deployed to assess the situation and document the incident, assuring that the public would be informed once official findings were available.
Local sources said the airstrike occurred during a military operation targeting suspected fighters of Boko Haram believed to be operating around the area. According to residents, insurgents were known to frequent the market to collect levies from traders and obtain supplies.
Another source in Damaturu said the fighter jet was reportedly tracking suspected insurgents at the time but missed its intended target, resulting in civilian casualties.
Emergency responders were still attending to victims as of press time, with injured persons receiving treatment at hospitals in Giedam and Damaturu.
The Nigerian Air Force had yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of the time this report was filed.