Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has defended the recent airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Jilli Market along the Yobe–Borno border, stating that the location was no longer an active civilian trading centre.
Reacting to reports suggesting that over 200 traders and buyers were feared dead, Zulum clarified that the market had been officially shut down for about five years due to persistent insecurity in the region.
According to him, the site had since been taken over by insurgent groups and converted into a logistics and operational base.
“The location struck by the NAF was not a functioning market. It was a notorious insurgent enclave,” the governor stated, urging the public to rely on verified military briefings before drawing conclusions.
He further revealed that communities around Geidam and Gubio Local Government Areas had repeatedly raised concerns about armed groups occupying deserted markets and settlements along the Yobe–Borno corridor. Zulum commended the military for acting on intelligence aimed at dismantling insurgent strongholds.
However, the governor’s position contrasts with accounts from some local sources who insist that civilians were present at the site during the strike.
As of the time of filing this report, the military authorities are yet to release a comprehensive statement detailing casualty figures or the operational specifics of the strike.
The incident continues to generate debate over civilian safety and military operations in conflict zones.
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