Buratai describes deadly airstrike on Jilli Market as tragic but based on credible intelligence...

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, has described the airstrike on Jilli Market along the Borno–Yobe border as painful and deeply unfortunate, following reports that over 50 people were killed and several others injured.

CBI News reports that Buratai, in a statement, said the strike was a targeted military operation based on credible intelligence indicating that Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters were using the weekly market as a base for logistics, including collecting illegal levies, sourcing supplies, and planning attacks.

While expressing sorrow over civilian casualties, he commended the Nigerian Air Force for what he described as professionalism and courage in carrying out the operation.

Buratai further characterised Jilli Market as a long-standing hub for terrorist activities.

“The public should understand the history of Jilli Market. It has long been a notorious terrorist logistics hub.

“The Nigerian Army repeatedly raided and shut it down. In 2018, during Operation LAST HOLD, our troops occupied the area and engaged in multiple clashes with insurgents.

“Despite several closures, the terrorists continued to operate the market with the cooperation of some individuals who patronised and supplied them.”

He acknowledged the loss of innocent lives but placed responsibility on insurgents, accusing them of embedding within civilian populations.

Buratai said: “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.

“No military wishes to harm civilians, but when a market is dominated by terrorist logistics and warnings have been ignored for years, the military has a duty to act.”

Buratai also appealed to residents of affected communities, including Geidam, Gubio, Damasak, and Ngamdu, to avoid engaging with markets linked to insurgents and to cooperate with security forces.

“I appeal to the people of Geidam, Gubio, Damasak, and Ngamdu to cooperate with the military. Stop patronising 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.

“The armed forces deserve our support. They acted on solid intelligence and struck a legitimate target. 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. May the souls of the departed innocent rest in peace, and may the injured recover swiftly," he said.