- Says Framing Military Action As Civilian Attack Misleading, Reckless
- ·‘Jilli, A Boko Haram Stronghold,’ Yobe Govt Confirms
- ·Commanding Officer, Six Others Killed By IED In Borno
The Presidency has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his condemnation of the recent airstrike on Jilli in Borno State, describing his remarks as misleading and politically driven.
TheMatrix Newspaper had reported that Atiku had earlier described the strike as a “devastating failure,” citing reports of civilian casualties.
“Innocent Nigerians were once again reduced to collateral damage… How long will citizens remain unsafe?” he said.
The airstrike, carried out under Operation HADIN KAI, has sparked controversy, with conflicting accounts over casualties.
While the military maintains it hit a terrorist logistics hub, local authorities confirmed that civilians were affected, with preliminary reports suggesting dozens of deaths.
Reacting to Atiku’s criticism in a scathing statement titled, Atiku: Questionable Patriot, presidential aide Sunday Dare said the operation by the Nigerian Air Force targeted insurgent enclaves, insisting the location had evolved into a logistics hub for terrorist groups, including Boko Haram and ISWAP.
“At a time when our Armed Forces are taking the fight directly to terrorist enclaves, it is both disappointing and telling to see Atiku Abubakar politicize the recent airstrikes at Jilli Market by alleging that the government is targeting civilians.
“For Atiku Abubakar to frame a legitimate military action as an attack on civilians is not only misleading—it is reckless,” Dare said.
He accused the opposition figure of double standards, noting that he criticises insecurity but condemns military action when taken.
“Let us be clear: while the location may still be referred to as “Jilli Market,” it has not functioned as a legitimate civilian marketplace in any meaningful sense.
“By multiple credible accounts, it has evolved into an operational node within the insurgency’s supply chain—facilitating movement, coordination, and sustenance of violent actors.
“For Atiku Abubakar to ignore this context and frame a legitimate military action as an attack on civilians is not only misleading—it is reckless. It risks distorting public understanding and undermining the morale of those on the frontlines who are daily risking their lives to secure the country.
“What remains difficult to reconcile is the contradiction. He consistently criticizes the government for failing to curb insecurity, yet when decisive, intelligence-driven action is taken, he is quick to condemn it. That is not principled opposition—it is opportunism.
“At some point, clarity must prevail. You cannot dine with the devil and still pretend to stand with the masses. Nigeria deserves seriousness, not selective outrage”.
Meanwhile, the Yobe State Government has confirmed that the Jilli community affected by the military air strikes is a Boko Haram stronghold in the Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.
The Security Adviser to the governor, Brigadier General Dahiru Abdulsalam (retd.), disclosed this in a press statement to journalists, while clarifying whether the incident happened in Yobe or Borno.
“The attention of the Yobe State Government has been drawn to online reports suggesting an attack on the people of Geidam Local Government Area.
“It has become necessary to set the records straight. The Air Component of the Joint Task Force (Northeast) Operation HADIN KAI conducted an air strike mission on Jilli (a Boko Haram stronghold) of Gubio Local Government Area in Borno State, yesterday, Saturday, April 11, 2025,” the statement read in part.
He also disclosed that some of the injured came from Geidam but had been moved to a hospital.
“Some of the affected victims came from Geidam LGA bordering Gubio LGA in Borno state, who went to the Jilli weekly market. They have been evacuated to Geidam Specialist Hospital and are responding to receiving treatment,” he added.
In another development, the Nigerian military on Monday said that a commanding officer and six other soldiers of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) paid the supreme price after his troops successfully repelled a terrorist attack in Monguno, Borno State.
It said that the incident occurred late on April 12, 2026, when troops of Sector 3 came under an isolated attack by terrorists at the Charlie 13 location.
According to a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the troops engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat while maintaining control of the area.
However, tragedy struck shortly after the encounter as the commanding officer, who had moved to the frontline to assess the situation, was killed by an improvised explosive device (IED).
“Regrettably, the Commanding Officer, while courageously proceeding to the troops’ location to personally assess the situation, encountered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) which severely affected his vehicle, leading to his death alongside six other gallant personnel,” the military said.
According to the statement, the commanding officer’s actions, even after the immediate threat had been neutralised, reflected the highest traditions of military leadership: courage, selfless service, and leading from the front.
“His willingness to move towards the troops in the heat of the battle, despite the prevailing danger, stands as a profound testament to his valour, sense of duty, and unwavering commitment to the welfare and operational effectiveness of his men.
“Operation HADIN KAI deeply mourns the loss of this exceptional officer and the other brave personnel who paid the supreme price in service to the nation.
“Their sacrifice will forever remain etched in the memory of the Armed Forces and the grateful nation they served,” the statement added.
The military, however, said that the troops remain in firm control of the location following the attack.
