Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), has described a recent airstrike on Jilli Market along the Borno Yobe border as a legitimate military operation targeting a long-standing terrorist logistics hub.
In a statement released to Voice of Nigeria on Sunday, Gen. Buratai confirmed that over 50 persons lost their lives and many others were injured in the strike.
While calling any loss of innocent life “deeply unfortunate and painful,” he strongly defended the action of the Nigerian Air Force and the intelligence community.
“I commend the Nigerian Air Force and the intelligence community for the courage and professionalism displayed in this operation,” the former army chief said.
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According to Gen. Buratai, the strike was based on credible intelligence indicating that Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists were using the weekly market to collect illegal levies, procure supplies, and plan further attacks.
He noted that Jilli Market has a long history as a terrorist hub. The Nigerian Army repeatedly raided and shut it down, including during Operation LAST HOLD in 2018, when troops occupied the area and engaged insurgents in multiple clashes. Despite several closures, Gen. Buratai said terrorists continued to operate the market 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,” he stated.
“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.”
Gen. Buratai issued a direct appeal to communities in Geidam, Gubio, Damasak, and Ngamdu to cooperate fully with the military. He urged residents to stop patronising or supplying goods to any market where terrorists establish a presence.
“Communities that continue to trade with insurgents will inevitably find themselves in harm’s way,” he warned.
The former Chief of Army Staff called on Nigerians to support the armed forces, insisting that the military 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,” Gen. Buratai said. “Victory is certain with continued military action and civilian cooperation.”
He concluded with condolences for the victims: “May the souls of the departed innocent rest in peace, and may the injured recover swiftly.”