An airstrike carried out by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) against suspected members of the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno State has reportedly resulted in civilian casualties.

Security sources told Premium Times that the airstrikes were conducted between 6:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. in the Mararaba area of Kukawa Local Government Area. The operation reportedly took place hours after the NAF reiterated its commitment to protecting civilians during ongoing military operations, which are supported by the United States.

According to the sources, the airstrikes hit an area where fishermen and commercial drivers had gathered at a terminus along the road linking Daban Masara in Kukawa LGA and Badeiri in Marte LGA. The drivers were reportedly waiting to transport fishermen and fish products to various destinations.

A security source confirmed that at least three civilians were killed, while 10 vehicles were destroyed, adding that the total number of casualties remains unclear.

“The number of civilians killed is uncertain, but a high number of civilians have been killed and vehicles destroyed,” the source said.

Some of the injured were reportedly taken to the General Hospital in Monguno for medical treatment.

A NAF pilot, who spoke anonymously, confirmed that the incident was discussed during a military briefing held in a North-West state on the same day. However, the Nigerian Air Force has yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

Also confirming the development, security analyst Brant Philip said reports suggested that the affected vehicles belonged to fishermen and not ISWAP fighters.

“There were significant civilian casualties in the Nigerian Air Force airstrikes yesterday in Borno State,” Philip said.

He added that thousands of fishermen operate in areas controlled by ISWAP, often paying taxes to the group in exchange for protection from bandits and rival insurgent factions.

“It is not unusual for civilians to be living and working in these areas. The NAF should release a statement soon to clarify the incident,” he noted.