A former Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), has defended the military action at Jilli market on Borno-Yobe border, stating it was a targeted operation based on credible intelligence that terrorists were using the market to collect levies, procure supplies, and plan attacks.
Reports had said Jilli Market was a notorious Boko Haram logistics hub along the Borno-Yobe border.
The air operations carried out in the location resulted in the alleged death of over 50 people, while several others people were injured.
The market has a history of terrorist activity, having been raided and shut down by the Nigerian Army multiple times, including during Operation LAST HOLD in 2018. Despite warnings, terrorists continued to operate in the area, using civilians as human shields.
Buratai commended the Nigerian Air Force and intelligence community for their professionalism, emphasizing that the military has a duty to act when civilian spaces are used for terrorist activities.
He appealed to local communities to cooperate with the military and avoid patronising markets used by terrorists.
The incident highlights the ongoing struggle against Boko Haram and ISWAP in northeastern Nigeria. While innocent lives were lost, the military’s actions are seen as a necessary blow against terrorism.