Africa's most populous country has been fighting a jihadist insurgency for 17 years, since Boko Haram's 2009 uprising, which has seen the emergence of powerful splinter groups including Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

The airstrikes on the village of Jilli occurred on Saturday, the death tolls differing according to the sources.

Amnesty International said on X there were "more than 100 dead" and 35 people seriously wounded.

Local chief Lawan Zanna Nur however said "the total casualties, dead and injured, is around 200."

Many were taken to hospitals in nearby Geidam and Maiduguri, he added, where at least eight more of the wounded had died Sunday.

"We are talking of dozens dead but it is difficult to give a specific toll," he said.

Nigeria's military did not immediately respond to a query from AFP.

An intelligence source told AFP the Jilli market "is wholly controlled by Boko Haram who provides security and collect tax from traders."

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