Atiku Abubakar has condemned the recent airstrike on Jilli market along the Yobe–Borno border that reportedly killed scores of traders, describing the incident as a “devastating failure.”
The former vice-president said the strike, which targeted insurgents, resulted in the deaths of innocent civilians, raising fresh concerns about the safety of Nigerians amid ongoing military operations.
“The Jilli market airstrike that killed scores of innocent traders is not just tragic, but a devastating failure that must outrage every conscience,” he said.
He questioned the recurring pattern of civilian casualties during counter-insurgency efforts, asking how long citizens would remain unsafe both from terrorists and from operations meant to protect them.
“While targeting insurgents, innocent Nigerians were once again reduced to collateral damage. How long will citizens remain unsafe both from terrorists and from the very operations meant to protect them?” he queried.
Atiku called for urgent review, accountability and decisive action to prevent a recurrence, stressing that the protection of citizens must remain the core of national security.
Drawing comparisons with international standards, he cited a recent operation by the United States military, which he said deployed over 150 aircraft and spent about $300 million to rescue a single pilot.
“That is the value they place on one citizen. Here at home, we must ask: what is the value of Nigerian lives?” he said.
He extended condolences to affected families and communities, urging authorities to prioritise human life in security operations.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force confirmed carrying out air operations in the area but did not directly address reports of civilian casualties.
In a statement signed by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Air Force said it conducted “precision follow-up mop-up airstrikes on identified terrorist locations within the Jilli axis of Borno State on April 11, 2026.”
According to the statement, the operation was executed in coordination with the Nigerian Army under Operation HADIN KAI as part of ongoing efforts to degrade insurgent strongholds in the region.
