BREAKING: No mention of Jilli market casualties as NAF confirms operation

However, a statement issued after the incident by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, did not mention the attack and resultant casualties in the market attack.

He said scores of insurgents were neutralised in the operation and their hideouts destroyed in precision follow-up air strikes.

Ejodame confirmed that the air strikes were conducted on Friday by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai as part of ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the theatre.

He said the mission targeted fleeing terrorists and regrouping elements following an earlier successful engagement that decimated their positions in the area.

“The follow-up strikes were executed based on credible intelligence and in close coordination with ground forces to deny terrorists freedom of movement and prevent further attacks.

“The operation formed part of a broader air-ground integration effort aimed at consolidating earlier gains recorded by friendly forces,” he said.

According to him, the strikes effectively disrupted terrorist activities within the Jilli axis, a known enclave exploited by insurgents due to its difficult terrain.

Ejodame said the sustained offensive underscored the growing effectiveness of intelligence-driven joint operations in the North-East.

He added that the Nigerian Air Force remained committed to persistent surveillance, precision targeting and rapid response missions to support ongoing military efforts.

“The NAF will continue to sustain momentum in ongoing operations to protect innocent lives, secure communities and restore lasting peace in the region,” he said.