Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has said that the Jilli market, recently hit by an airstrike, had been shut down five years ago after being identified as a trading hub for insurgents.
The governor’s reaction followed public outrage over reports that about 50 civilians were killed during the airstrike carried out by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai on Saturday in Jilli, a border community in Gubio Local Government Area.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, Zulum described the market as a notorious centre allegedly used by terrorists and their logistics suppliers before it was officially closed alongside the nearby Gazabure market.
He expressed surprise that activities were still taking place in the area despite the government’s directive shutting it down years ago.
Zulum noted that he had been fully briefed on the operation and was in close consultation with both the military hierarchy and the government of neighbouring Yobe State over the development.
According to him, the Borno State Government maintains strict coordination with security agencies before reopening markets or resettling communities affected by insurgency.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity and restoring stability across the state, while urging residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible intelligence.
The incident has further heightened concerns over civilian safety and operational precision in ongoing counterinsurgency efforts in the North-East.
Zulum: Bombed Jilli Market Was Terrorists’ Trading Hub Closed Five Years Ago
