A Nigerian Air Force strike hit a market in northeastern Nigeria, killing more than 100 civilians and injuring many others, according to rights groups and local reports.

Authorities confirmed a misfire but said the strike was aimed at jihadi militants operating in the area.

The region is a long-standing conflict zone where Boko Haram and other armed groups are active, and such airstrike errors have occurred repeatedly.

Officials and analysts cite intelligence gaps and coordination problems as contributing factors to civilian casualties, NBC News has reported.

The military says it targeted a terrorist enclave, while investigations into the incident are ongoing.