By Nkechi Eze
Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has defended the recent airstrike carried out at Jilli Market along the Borno–Yobe border, describing the operation as a necessary military action against a long-standing terrorist logistics hub used by insurgent groups.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the former army chief expressed concern over reports that more than fifty persons lost their lives and several others were injured during the strike. He acknowledged that the loss of innocent lives is painful and deeply regrettable but commended the Nigerian Air Force and the intelligence community for what he described as the courage and professionalism demonstrated in carrying out the operation.
According to Buratai, the airstrike was not arbitrary but a targeted military action based on credible intelligence indicating that fighters from Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province were using the weekly market in Jilli to collect illegal levies, procure supplies and coordinate further attacks against communities and security forces.
He explained that the public must understand the long and troubling history of Jilli Market, which he described as a notorious hub for terrorist logistics over the years. The former army chief noted that the Nigerian Army had repeatedly raided and shut down the market in previous operations due to its persistent use by insurgents.
Buratai recalled that in 2018, during the military offensive known as Operation LAST HOLD, troops occupied the area and engaged insurgents in multiple clashes as part of efforts to dismantle their operational networks. Despite several attempts by the military to close the market, he said terrorists continued to operate it with the cooperation of some individuals who patronised and supplied them.
“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,” Buratai stated.
He stressed that no professional military desires to harm civilians but explained that when a location becomes dominated by terrorist logistics and repeated warnings have been ignored for years, the armed forces have a duty to act in order to neutralise threats and prevent further attacks.
The former army chief also appealed to residents of affected communities to cooperate fully with the military in the ongoing fight against insurgency. He specifically called on the people of Geidam, Gubio, Damasak and Ngamdu to avoid patronising or supplying goods to markets known to be frequented or controlled by insurgents.
According to him, communities that continue to trade with terrorists inadvertently place themselves in harm’s way and risk becoming victims of the conflict.
Buratai urged Nigerians to continue supporting the armed forces, insisting that the military acted on solid intelligence and struck what he described as 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,” he said.
The former army chief also prayed for the souls of those who died in the incident and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
