Troops of the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), supported by its Air Component, have dismissed reports of civilian casualties following a recent airstrike in Borno State, insisting the operation precisely targeted a terrorist enclave.
In a statement issued on Sunday, spokesperson Sani Uba said the strike was a “carefully coordinated and intelligence-driven” mission aimed at dismantling a logistics base used by insurgents near the abandoned village of Jilli in Gubio Local Government Area.
Targeted strike on insurgent network
According to the military, the operation was carried out on April 11 after sustained Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions over the Bindul–Jilli axis, an area identified as a major movement corridor for Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters.
Surveillance reportedly detected suspicious movements involving motorcycles and vehicles converging on the location, which were later confirmed through human intelligence sources to be linked to terrorist activities.
Following what the military described as a “rigorous targeting process,” air assets conducted precision strikes on the site while maintaining real-time monitoring.
‘High accuracy’ and disruption of attacks
The military said post-strike assessments showed that the target was hit with high accuracy, leading to the destruction of the logistics hub, multiple vehicles and equipment.
It added that several insurgents were killed, while others fled the area.
According to the statement, intelligence suggests the group was in the final stages of preparing coordinated attacks on military positions within the Gubio axis when the strike occurred.
“This decisive action has significantly disrupted imminent terrorist plans and degraded their operational capability,” the statement said.
Arrest linked to recent attacks
The military also disclosed the arrest of a suspected logistics courier identified as “Turja Bulu” in Ngamdu on April 12.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to involvement in a recent attack on a military formation in Benisheikh and to supplying food items to insurgents operating within the Magumeri-Gubio area.
Response to casualty claims
The clarification comes amid reports suggesting that civilians may have been affected by the strike.
However, OPHK firmly rejected those claims, maintaining that the operation adhered strictly to professional standards and was based on verified intelligence.
Ongoing operations
The military reiterated its commitment to intensifying operations across the North East until all террорист enclaves are dismantled.
It also reminded residents that the use of motorcycles remains prohibited in parts of Borno and Yobe states due to their frequent use by insurgents for movement and attacks.
Authorities urged civilians to comply with existing security directives, warning that movements in restricted zones would be treated as potential threats.
The military said operations would continue with renewed momentum to restore stability and ensure lasting peace in the region.
