Ambassador Lt Gen Tukur Buratai, who used to be the Chief of Army Staff, has spoken out about the airstrike on the Jilli Market that happened on the Borno-Yobe border.
Reports say that more than 50 people died in the strikes, and many more were hurt.
Buratai said that any loss of innocent life is very sad and painful, but the Nigerian Air Force should be praised for their intelligence, bravery, and professionalism during the operation in what he called a “den of terrorists.”
He said the strike was a planned military action based on reliable information that Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists were using the weekly market at Jilli to collect illegal taxes, buy supplies, and plan more attacks.
People should know the history of Jilli Market. Buratai said in a statement on Sunday that it has long been a well-known terrorist logistics hub.
He went on to say, “The Nigerian Army raided it many times and shut it down.” During Operation LAST HOLD in 2018, our troops took over the area and fought with insurgents many times.
“Even though there were several closures, the terrorists kept running the market with the help of some people who bought from and supplied them.
“It is very sad that innocent people may have been hurt in the strike, but the terrorists are the only ones to blame because they put themselves in civilian areas on purpose to protect themselves.
“No military wants to hurt civilians, but when a market is full of terrorist logistics and warnings have been ignored for years, the military has to do something.
“I ask the people of Geidam, Gubio, Damasak, and Ngamdu to work with the military. Don’t shop at or give goods to any market where terrorists live or work. Communities that keep doing business with rebels will eventually get hurt.
We should support the armed forces. They acted on good information and hit a real target. We must not give up our fight against an enemy that shows no mercy, even though we are sad about the deaths of innocent people.
“Victory is certain if the military keeps fighting and civilians help out.” May the souls of the innocent who have died rest in peace, and may the injured heal quickly.
“We should always support the military. They acted on reliable information and went after a real target. We are sad about the innocent lives that have been lost, but we must not let our resolve weaken against an enemy that shows no mercy.
“Success is certain with continued military efforts and civilian cooperation. May the souls of the innocent who have died find peace forever, and may those who are hurt get better quickly.
