The Nigerian military and former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd.), have defended a controversial airstrike on Jilli Market along the Borno–Yobe border that left more than 50 people dead, insisting the operation targeted a major logistics base used by insurgents.
In separate statements issued over the weekend, the military and Buratai described the strike as a “necessary” and intelligence-driven action against Boko Haram and ISWAP, allegedly operating within the market.
Buratai, while acknowledging the civilian casualties, maintained that the market had long served as a hub for terrorist activities, including the collection of illegal levies, procurement of supplies, and coordination of attacks.
“Any loss of innocent life is deeply unfortunate,” he said, “but the responsibility lies with terrorists who deliberately embed themselves within civilian populations.”
He recalled that Jilli Market had previously been shut down by the military during past operations, including Operation LAST HOLD in 2018, but was repeatedly reoccupied by insurgents and their collaborators.
Providing operational details, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai said the strike followed sustained intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions over the Bindul–Jilli corridor, identified as a key movement route.
According to the military, the operation was triggered by fresh intelligence reports indicating the movement of armed, on motorcycles and in gun trucks converging on the location. These movements were corroborated by human intelligence sources before a “rigorous targeting process” was completed.
The statement said precision strikes were subsequently carried out on April 11, destroying what it described as a terrorist enclave and logistics base. Several insurgents were reportedly killed, while vehicles and equipment were also destroyed.
Military authorities further claimed that the strike disrupted imminent attacks being planned against troop positions in the Gubio axis. They cited the arrest of a suspected logistics courier, identified as “Turja Bulu,” who allegedly confessed to involvement in recent attacks and supply operations linked to the Jilli network.
Despite these justifications, the incident has raised fresh concerns over civilian safety in military operations, particularly in areas where insurgents are believed to operate within populated environments.
The military reiterated that the use of motorcycles remains banned across the North East due to their frequent use by terrorist groups, warning that any such movements in restricted zones would be treated as hostile.
While urging communities to avoid trading in areas known to be infiltrated by insurgents, Buratai called for greater civilian cooperation, warning that continued interaction with such could expose residents to further.
The Nigerian Armed Forces, however, assured that operations would continue with intensified efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and restore lasting peace to the region.
