Former Chief of Army Staff and ambassador Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai has reacted to the recent airstrike on Jilli Market along the Borno–Yobe border, describing the operation as a justified military action based on credible intelligence.
The strike reportedly claimed the lives of over 50 people and left several others injured, sparking concerns over civilian casualties.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Buratai acknowledged the tragedy, noting that the loss of innocent lives is “deeply unfortunate and painful.” However, he commended the Nigerian Air Force for what he described as its intelligence-driven, courageous, and professional conduct during the operation.
According to him, the airstrike was a targeted mission aimed at dismantling activities of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, who allegedly used the weekly Jilli Market as a base for collecting illegal levies, sourcing supplies, and coordinating attacks.
“The public should understand the history of Jilli Market. It has long been a notorious terrorist logistics hub,” Buratai said.
He recalled that the Nigerian Army had, on several occasions, raided and shut down the market, including during Operation LAST HOLD in 2018 when troops occupied the area and engaged insurgents in multiple confrontations.
“Despite several closures, the terrorists continued to operate the market with the cooperation of some individuals who patronized and supplied them,” he added.
Buratai stressed that while civilian casualties are regrettable, he blamed insurgents for embedding themselves within civilian areas.
“It is deeply regrettable that innocent lives may have been caught in the strike, but the sole responsibility rests with the terrorists who deliberately embed themselves within civilian spaces as human shields,” he said.
He further stated that the military has a duty to act when locations become dominated by terrorist logistics, especially after repeated warnings.
The former army chief urged residents of Geidam, Gubio, Damasak, and Ngamdu to cooperate with security forces and avoid engaging in commercial activities in areas infiltrated by insurgents.
“Stop patronizing or supplying goods to any market where terrorists establish or frequent. Communities that continue to trade with insurgents will inevitably find themselves in harm’s way,” he warned.
Buratai called for continued public support for the armed forces, maintaining that the operation was carried out based on solid intelligence and targeted a legitimate objective.
“While we mourn innocent lives lost, we must not weaken our resolve against an enemy that shows no mercy. Victory is certain with continued military action and civilian cooperation,” he said, offering prayers for the deceased and wishing the injured a swift recovery.
