Arrested 15-year-old reveals role in Boko Haram attacks in Borno

Borno (9News Nigeria):- A 15-year-old suspect has been arrested by security operatives in connection with the chain of events surrounding the deadly violence in Borno and Yobe States of Nigeria that preceded the controversial airstrike at Jilli Market, 9News Nigeria reports.

The suspect, identified as Tijjani, was apprehended on Sunday, April 12, in Ngamdu, Borno State, days after coordinated attacks were reported in parts of the northeast, including Benisheik and Ngamdu.

The arrest follows heightened scrutiny over the circumstances that led to the airstrike at Jilli Market in Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State, where more than 200 traders and civilians were feared killed, according to an earlier 9News Nigeria report.

In a video obtained by 9News Nigeria through its North East correspondent, the teenager allegedly admitted to involvement in movements linked to the attackers. He stated that he operated between Jilli and Ngamdu during the period of the attacks and was assigned financial resources to support logistics.

According to the video statement, Tijjani claimed he was sent with the sum of ₦850,000 to procure supplies before his arrest by troops. He further alleged that other members of the group remained in Jilli, adding that he played a role in coordinating plans targeting a security commander.

While the claims in the video have not been independently verified by authorities, the development provides a potential new dimension to the unfolding narrative surrounding the Yobe market tragedy and the broader security situation in the region.

Security agencies are yet to issue an official statement confirming the suspect’s role or clarifying whether the intelligence gathered from his arrest is linked to the military operations that culminated in the airstrike.

The emergence of the video has intensified concerns about the complexity of insurgent activities across the Yobe–Borno corridor, where civilian populations continue to bear the brunt of both terrorist attacks and counter-insurgency operations.

As investigations continue, questions remain over the sequence of events that led to the market airstrike, and whether actionable intelligence, including movements of suspected insurgents, influenced the military response.

9News Nigeria will continue to monitor developments and provide verified updates as more details emerge.