Nigeria has recorded the deaths of over 400 unarmed civilians from accidental military airstrikes since 2017, according to multiple reports linked to counterterrorism operations in the northern region.
While the military has denied some of the allegations, maintaining that its operations were aimed at terrorist groups, several incidents have reportedly resulted in civilian casualties.
One of the earliest major cases occurred on January 17, 2017, when a Nigerian Air Force jet mistakenly bombed an Internally Displaced Persons camp in Rann, Borno State, killing at least 115 people, including humanitarian workers, and injuring over 100 others.
In subsequent years, similar incidents were recorded. In December 2023, a drone strike in Kaduna State reportedly killed more than 120 civilians gathered for a religious celebration. Earlier, in December 2022, an airstrike in Zamfara State claimed at least 64 lives, while another operation in Nasarawa State in January 2023 allegedly killed about 50 herders.
In December 2024, airstrikes targeting the Lakurawa group in Sokoto State reportedly killed at least ten villagers. The state governor, Ahmed Aliyu, confirmed the casualties, stating that the operation mistakenly hit civilians.
More recently, an airstrike on April 11, 2026 at Jilli Market near the Borno–Yobe border reportedly left about 50 civilians dead and several others injured. The military has defended the operation, describing the location as a known logistics hub for terrorist groups.
Reacting to the latest incident, former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, said the strike was based on credible intelligence, though he acknowledged the tragic loss of innocent lives.
The Nigerian Air Force has since stated that it is taking the allegations seriously. According to its spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Chief of the Air Staff has ordered an immediate investigation through the Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation Cell.
The development has triggered public concern and renewed calls for accountability. Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi questioned the repeated nature of such incidents and called for a Senate inquiry into the bombings.
Meanwhile, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, defended the military, noting that the Jilli Market had been shut down years earlier due to its alleged use by insurgents.
The growing number of incidents continues to raise concerns over operational accuracy, civilian protection, and the need for improved intelligence in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against insurgency.
