Presidency Accuses Atiku of Opportunism Over Criticism of Military Airstrikes on Jilli Terrorist Hub

Presidency slams Atiku Abubakar for "politicizing" airstrikes on a Boko Haram hub in Jilli, as Governor Zulum confirms the market was closed 5 years ago.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 15, 2026, 6:25 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Newsdiaryonline

Presidency Questions Atiku’s Patriotism

Mr. Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Communications, has leveled a sharp critique against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, accusing him of "politicizing" national security. In a statement titled "Atiku: Questionable Patriot," Dare condemned Atiku’s recent allegations that a military airstrike on the Jilli Market in Borno State was an attack on civilians. Dare described the former Vice President’s stance as reckless, arguing that it undermines the morale of the Armed Forces who are currently intensifying their offensive against terrorist enclaves.

Jilli: A Terrorist Logistics Node

The Presidency clarified that while the location is still geographically referred to as "Jilli Market," it has not functioned as a legitimate civilian marketplace for half a decade. According to military intelligence, the site has been repurposed as a vital logistics and trading hub for Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents. Dare emphasized that the airstrikes were intelligence-led and targeted an operational node within the insurgency’s supply chain. He characterized Atiku’s condemnation as "opportunism," noting the contradiction in criticizing the government for insecurity while simultaneously condemning decisive actions to curb it.

Governor Zulum Confirms Market Closure

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum corroborated the Presidency’s position, stating categorically that the Borno State Government officially closed the Jilli and Gazabure markets five years ago. In a briefing following the air component’s operation under Hadin Kai, Zulum described Jilli as a "notorious hub" for insurgents and their suppliers. The Governor noted that the state maintains strict coordination with the military hierarchy before reopening any markets in conflict zones, ensuring that law-abiding citizens are not placed at risk.