Nigerian military airstrikes in northeastern Jilli killed dozens, with conflicting reports about whether the target was a terrorist enclave or a civilian market. Local authorities and Amnesty International claim over 100 civilians died, while the military insists militants were the casualties. The April 12 operation followed increased attacks by Boko Haram and Islamic West Africa Province in Borno State.

The U.S. has deployed approximately 200 troops to Nigeria to support counterterrorism efforts, including drone surveillance and intelligence analysis. Despite this collaboration, political violence nationwide rose by over 25% in March, with the State Department warning Americans against travel to 23 Nigerian states due to deteriorating security conditions.

The market at Jilli, locally known as "the terrorists' market," has long been used by militants for collecting illegal levies and planning attacks. The absence of government authority in northern Borno has left communities vulnerable, with militants effectively controlling daily life and economic activity. The Nigerian military continues to face allegations of civilian casualties in its operations without meaningful accountability.