The Presidency has defended the recent airstrike on Jilli market, a boundary community between Yobe and Borno States, insisting that the operation was a deliberate military action targeted at terrorists rather than civilians.
According to officials, the location had long stopped functioning as a normal marketplace and had allegedly been taken over by Boko Haram and ISWAP militants, who used it as a logistics and coordination hub.
Senior presidential aide, Sunday Dare, described the site as a legitimate military target, stressing that intelligence reports confirmed its use as part of insurgent supply operations.
The Yobe State Government also backed the federal position, stating that the airstrike conducted by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI on April 11 was based on credible intelligence and was not a mistake. The state government maintained that the operation was aimed at dismantling terrorist enclaves in the region.
In a statement issued through the Special Adviser on Security Matters, Brig.-Gen. Dahiru Abdulsalam (rtd), the government acknowledged that some civilians, including traders from Geidam, were unintentionally affected while visiting the market. Injured victims have since been moved to the Geidam Specialist Hospital for treatment.
However, the incident has sparked widespread controversy, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticising the strike and raising concerns over civilian casualties. The Presidency strongly rejected his remarks, describing them as misleading and harmful to national security efforts.
Sunday Dare argued that the operation was being misrepresented and warned that politicising military actions could undermine troop morale and counter-insurgency operations. He insisted that multiple intelligence reports confirmed the area had evolved into an insurgent operational base.
Despite these explanations, concerns over civilian deaths continue to grow. Former Senate President Ahmed Lawan called for a full, independent investigation into the incident, noting reports that more than 100 people may have died. He also urged authorities to ensure medical support for survivors and compensation for affected families.
Similarly, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi expressed sympathy for victims and called for improved military equipment, better coordination, and enhanced training for security personnel to prevent future tragedies. He urged the federal government to strengthen national security through sustained investment and effective leadership.
