More than 50 vendors are presumed killed after Nigerian Air Force bombing targets marketplace on Borno-Yobe state border

No fewer than 56 people, mostly traders, are feared dead, while 14 others have been hospitalized as a result of an airstrike on a weekly market along the Borno–Yobe border.

The incident occurred on Saturday evening at Dilli Market in Yobe State, a major trading hub near Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State, where traders and residents from neighbouring communities usually converge.

Some of the victims are reportedly receiving treatment at Geidam Specialist Hospital.

Confirming the development, the Public Relations Officer of the Yobe State Police Command, Dungus Abdulkarim, said authorities were aware of the incident but were still verifying details.

“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,” he said.

“At this moment, we do not have confirmed casualty figures, as details are still being verified. Security agencies are on the ground assessing the situation, while efforts are ongoing to ensure proper documentation and response, after which the public will be duly informed with accurate and official updates.”

Amid the reports, the Nigerian Air Force confirmed it carried out air operations in the area but did not state whether civilians were affected.

In a statement signed by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF said it conducted “precision follow-up mop-up airstrikes on identified terrorist locations within the Jilli axis of Borno State on April 11, 2026.”

According to the statement, the strikes were part of a coordinated air and ground offensive with the Nigerian Army under Operation HADIN KAI.

“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,” the statement said.

The Air Force added that the operation was based on credible intelligence and intended to consolidate earlier gains against insurgents, as well as restrict their movement and capacity to launch attacks.

However, the statement did not make any reference to casualties or directly address reports from residents regarding the market strike.

Emergency response efforts were ongoing as of the time of filing this report, while authorities continue to assess the situation and verify the extent of damage and possible loss of lives.