The Air Component of the Operation Hadin Kai has conducted a precision air strike on a suspected terrorist logistics hub in Jilli, Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State, neutralising several insurgents and destroying key assets.

According to a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the operation, carried out on April 11, 2026, followed sustained Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions over the Bindul–Jilli axis, a known corridor for fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

Military authorities said the strike was launched after credible intelligence confirmed the movement of suspected terrorists, including gun trucks and motorcycles, converging near the abandoned village of Jilli. After a rigorous verification process, air assets engaged the target in a series of precision strikes, with surveillance platforms providing real-time assessment.

Post-strike reports indicated that the terrorists enclave and logistics hub were destroyed, with several fighters neutralised and their vehicles and equipment eliminated. Surviving elements were seen fleeing the area. The military added that the disrupted network had been linked to recent attacks, including a January IED explosion along the Gubio–Damasak road that killed eight soldiers, as well as coordinated assaults in Ngamdu and Benisheikh earlier in April.

In a related development, the Yobe State Government clarified reports suggesting that the air strike targeted civilians. In a statement by Dahiru Abdulsalam, special adviser on security matters to the governor, the government said the operation was aimed at a Boko Haram stronghold in Borno, not civilian populations.

However, the government acknowledged that some residents of Geidam Local Government Area in Yobe State who had travelled to the Jilli weekly market were affected by the strike. The victims were evacuated to Geidam Specialist Hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.

Meanwhile, troops arrested a suspected logistics courier identified as “Turja Bulu” in Ngamdu on April 12. The suspect reportedly confessed to participating in the April 9 attack on troops in Benisheikh and to delivering supplies to insurgents operating within the Magumeri–Gubio axis.

The Theatre Command reiterated that the use of motorcycles remains banned across the North-east operational theatre, including Borno and Yobe states, due to their continued use by insurgents for movement and logistics.
Authorities assured residents of sustained military operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and restoring peace across the region.