Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has defended the recent airstrike on Jilli Market along the Borno–Yobe border, describing it as a necessary and intelligence-driven operation targeting a known terrorist logistics hub.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Buratai expressed concern over reports that more than 50 persons were killed and several others injured in the strike, noting that any loss of innocent life is “deeply unfortunate and painful.”
He, however, commended the Nigerian Air Force and the intelligence community for what he described as their courage and professionalism, insisting that the operation was based on credible intelligence indicating that Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters had been using the weekly market to collect illegal levies, procure supplies and coordinate attacks.
Providing historical context, the former army chief said Jilli Market had long been identified as a major logistics base for insurgents. He recalled that troops repeatedly raided and shut down the market, including during Operation LAST HOLD in 2018, when the military engaged insurgents in several encounters in the area.
Despite these efforts, he said the market continued to operate, allegedly with the cooperation of some individuals who patronised and supplied goods to the terrorists.
Buratai stated that while civilian casualties were regrettable, responsibility ultimately lay with insurgents who embed themselves within civilian populations. He stressed that the military does not deliberately target non-combatants but is compelled to act when such locations are exploited for terrorist operations.
He called on residents of Geidam, Gubio, Damasak and Ngamdu to cooperate with security forces by avoiding markets or commercial activities linked to insurgents, warning that continued interaction with such networks exposes civilians to significant risk.
The retired general also urged sustained public support for the armed forces, maintaining that the strike was carried out against a legitimate target based on solid intelligence.
While extending condolences to families of those affected, he expressed hope for the recovery of the injured and reaffirmed confidence that continued military operations, backed by civilian cooperation, would ultimately restore peace to the region.
