Presidency Insists Jilli Market Airstrike Was a Targeted Attack on Terrorists

The Presidency has defended the April 11 airstrike on Jilli Market in Borno State as an intelligence-driven operation against insurgent strongholds, not a civilian marketplace. Presidential aide Tope Ajayi and the Yobe State government say the location had been overtaken by terrorists and used as a supply node. Authorities acknowledge that some civilians, including traders from Geidam, were affected and received treatment at Geidam Specialist Hospital. Critics such as Atiku Abubakar, Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan and Peter Obi have called for a full, independent investigation, medical support for survivors and compensation for families of those killed or injured. The debate continues over the military’s justification versus the reported civilian harm. The government maintains the strike was deliberate and necessary under Operation HADIN KAI, while opponents demand greater accountability and transparency.

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