Nigeria: Hours After Assuring Civilian Safety in Operations, NAF Airstrikes 'Kill' Many in Borno

15 December 2025

The airstrikes suspectedly killed fishermen and commercial drivers at a T-junction in the area to transport their products.

Military airstrikes targeting terrorists' positions in Borno State have reportedly killed an unspecified number of civilians on Sunday, 14 December.

A security source disclosed this to PREMIUM TIMES in a written report, saying the airstrikes were launched between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. in the Mararaba area in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines

The incident occurred a few hours after the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) vowed to protect civilian populations in its ongoing operations supported by the United States.

The airstrikes killed fishermen and commercial drivers gathered at a terminus junction between the road that leads to Daban Masara in Kukawa and the Badeiri in Marte LGA.

The commercial drivers had gathered in the area to convey both the fish products and fishermen to their destinations.

Confirming three casualties and destruction of 10 vehicles, the source said: "The number of civilians killed is uncertain. But a high number of civilians have been killed and vehicles destroyed."

He added that some casualties had been conveyed to the General Hospital in Mungono for treatment.

A NAF officer, a pilot, confirmed the incident to our reporter, saying it was discussed at "today's briefing" in a state in the North-west.

The Air Force has not issue a statement about the incident. PREMIUM TIMES will follow up and provide further updates as they emerge.

Details later...

AllAfrica publishes around 600 reports a day from more than 90 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.