Nigerian Military Airstrike on Northeast Market Killed Over 100 Civilians, Amnesty Says

**TL;DR** At least 100 civilians were killed when Nigerian military jets bombed a market on the Borno-Yobe border Saturday, according to witnesses and Amnesty International.

**Context** The airstrike occurred at Jilli Market, located between Gubio and Geidam local government areas in Yobe and Borno states. The military said it was targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents. Northeast Nigeria has faced insurgent violence for over a decade, and the military has conducted numerous operations to combat the group. Markets in the region often serve as gathering points for both civilians and, at times, suspected militants.

**Key Facts** Witnesses told Amnesty International that three military jets dropped bombs on the market. More than 100 people were killed in the attack. Geidam General Hospital's emergency unit received at least 35 people with severe injuries. Amnesty International called the strike an unlawful use of force. "Launching air raids is not a legitimate law enforcement method by anyone's standard," the organization said in a statement. The group also described the operation as "reckless" and said it demonstrated the Nigerian military's "disregard for civilian lives."

**What It Means** The strike raises serious questions about proportionality and civilian protection in military operations. Amnesty has called for an immediate and impartial investigation. The Nigerian authorities must determine whether proper precautions were taken to avoid civilian casualties and hold any perpetrators accountable. The death toll makes this one of the deadliest single incidents involving civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict. Watch for the military's response and whether an official investigation is launched.