Presidential spokesman Sunday Dare has accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of playing politics with the recent air strike on Jilli Market in Borno. Mr Dare also questioned Mr Abubakar’s patriotism.

“At a time when our armed forces are taking the fight directly to terrorist enclaves, it is both disappointing and telling to see Atiku Abubakar politicise the recent airstrikes at Jilli Market by alleging that the government is targeting civilians,” Mr Dare said on X.

Mr Dare added, “Let it be clear: while the location may still be referred to as ‘Jilli Market’, it has not functioned as a legitimate civilian marketplace in any meaningful sense. By multiple credible accounts, it has evolved into an operational node within the insurgency’s supply chain—facilitating movement, coordination and sustenance of violent actors.

“For Atiku Abubakar to ignore this context and frame a legitimate military action as an attack on civilians is not only misleading—it is reckless. It risks distorting public understanding and undermining the morale of those on the frontlines who are daily risking their lives to secure the country.

“What remains difficult to reconcile is the contradiction. He consistently criticises the government for failing to curb insecurity, yet when decisive, intelligence-driven action is taken, he is quick to condemn it. That is not principled opposition—it is opportunism.”

He stated that “clarity must prevail”, warning Mr Abubakar that “you cannot dine with the devil and still pretend to stand with the masses”.

Governor Babagana Zulum confirmed that the weekly Jilli market in Gubio LGA, where the military carried out an airstrike, was closed five years ago.

In a statement, Mr Zulum described Jilli Market as a “notorious hub” used by insurgents and their logistics suppliers.

“I have been properly briefed on the airstrike carried out by the air component of Operation Hadin Kai on Jilli market, a border town between Borno and Yobe states.

“Let me state categorically that the Borno state government closed Jilli and Gazabure markets five years ago,” the governor stated. “I am in close consultation with the government of Yobe state and the military hierarchy on the matter.”

(NAN)