Dare Faults Atiku Over Jilli Airstrike Criticism, Questions Patriotism

The Presidency has accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of politicising the Jilli airstrike in Borno State, with Special Adviser on Media and Communications Sunday Dare describing his comments as misleading and opportunistic.

In a post on X titled “ATIKU: QUESTIONABLE PATRIOT”, Dare said Atiku’s reaction to the airstrike on Jilli Market was “both disappointing and telling.”

“It is… disappointing… to see Atiku Abubakar politicise the recent airstrikes… by alleging that the government is targeting civilians,” he said.

He maintained that the Nigerian Air Force carried out intelligence-driven operations targeting insurgent strongholds in the Jilli axis, which he said had long been repurposed by terrorist groups.

“While the location may still be referred to as ‘Jilli Market’, it has not functioned as a legitimate civilian marketplace,” he said.

Dare accused the former vice president of inconsistency, saying his criticism undermined troops on the frontline.

“That is not principled opposition—it is opportunism,” he stated.

He added:

“Nigeria deserves seriousness, not selective outrage.”

Borno Government Confirms Closure

Governor Babagana Zulum confirmed that the Jilli Market had been shut five years earlier, describing it as a known insurgent logistics hub.

He said the state coordinates closely with security agencies before reopening any affected communities or markets.

Defence Chief Defends Operation

Defence Minister Christopher Musa defended the airstrike, calling it part of a new counterinsurgency strategy.

“A friend of a thief is a thief… anybody providing support to them, we will find you and deal with you like bandits, like terrorists,” he said.

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