KEY POINTS
- Gov. Zulum said Borno closed Jilli and Gazabure markets five years ago as insurgent logistics hubs
- The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai struck Jilli on April 11 in coordination with the Nigerian Army
- Zulum said the state coordinates with security agencies before resettling communities or reopening any market
Borno Governor Babagana Zulum on Sunday backed the military’s Jilli market airstrike, declaring that the Borno State Government closed the border market five years ago after identifying it as a hub that insurgents and their logistics suppliers used.
In a statement his media adviser, Dauda Iliya, issued, Zulum confirmed the closure extended to Gazabure market as well. “Let me state categorically that the Borno State Government closed Jilli and Gazabure markets five years ago,” the governor said. He also noted close consultations with the Yobe State government and military leadership on the matter.
Coordination with security agencies preceded the strike
Meanwhile, the governor stressed that Borno maintains close coordination with the military and other security agencies before resettling any community or reopening any market in insurgency-affected areas.
Furthermore, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai executed the Jilli market airstrike on April 11 in coordination with the Nigerian Army, following an earlier ground operation that targeted and destroyed terrorist positions in the area. Over 30 people reportedly died in the strike, which traders and residents said sent explosions through the weekly market session along the Borno-Yobe border.
Zulum urges vigilance as consultations continue
However, Zulum also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies. He urged them to share credible information to support ongoing military operations in the region.
Additionally, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens and sustaining collaborative efforts with security forces to restore lasting peace and stability across Borno State.
