The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Communications, Sunday Dare, has accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of politicising the recent airstrike on Jilli Market in Borno State, while also questioning his stance on national security issues.
In a post shared on his X account, Dare described Atiku’s comments as misleading and suggested they raised concerns about his patriotism. He argued that the former Vice President’s position on the incident reflected poor judgment at a time when the military is actively engaged in counter-insurgency operations.
He referenced recent intelligence-led operations by the Nigerian Air Force targeting insurgent positions around the Jilli axis, stating that the area has long been associated with activities linked to terrorist groups, including Boko Haram and ISWAP.
According to him, although the location is still referred to as Jilli Market, it has not functioned as a legitimate commercial centre for years, but rather as a logistical point used by armed groups.
Dare maintained that framing the operation as an attack on civilians ignored key security realities and risked distorting public understanding of ongoing military efforts. He also warned that such narratives could affect the morale of security personnel engaged in frontline operations.
He further noted what he described as a contradiction in Atiku’s criticism, arguing that while the former Vice President has repeatedly called for stronger action against insecurity, he has also condemned military strikes when they are carried out.
He insisted that national security issues require consistency and responsibility, adding that political commentary should not undermine operational decisions aimed at restoring stability.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, confirmed that Jilli Market in Gubio Local Government Area had been shut down years earlier due to security concerns and was previously known to be linked to insurgent activities.
In a statement through his media aide, he reiterated that the state government had closed the market about five years ago and continues to coordinate closely with security agencies on matters relating to resettlement and reopening of affected communities.
Zulum also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting military operations while urging residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information to security agencies.
On his part, the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, described the recent operations as part of a revised national security approach aimed at targeting those supporting armed groups.
He stressed that individuals or groups aiding insurgents would be treated as part of the threat, underscoring the government’s tougher stance on terrorism-related activities.