Federal Government Clarifies Jilli Airstrike Targeted Terrorist Supply Routes, Not Civilians
The Federal Government has issued a strong defense of the April 11 airstrike conducted on the Jilli axis in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State, emphasizing that the operation was meticulously planned to weaken terrorist logistics and disrupt their movements. In a detailed statement released on Tuesday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, explained that the strike was based on credible intelligence and executed by the Nigerian Air Force under Operation HADIN KAI.
Intelligence-Led Mission Against Insurgent Stronghold
Minister Idris highlighted that the targeted location had long been identified as a stronghold for insurgents, where members of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) were known to gather, collect levies, and organize attacks. The operation was a deliberate, intelligence-led mission, not an indiscriminate attack, he asserted. The government further elaborated that the Jilli axis, often referred to locally as "Kasu Daulaye," had served for years as a meeting point for insurgents and a critical channel for supplies.
Authorities noted that the area had already been classified as dangerous, with advisories warning civilians to stay away due to security risks. While acknowledging reports of civilian casualties, the government expressed deep sympathy with affected families and those injured. Every Nigerian life is sacred, and any loss of civilian life is deeply regretted, Minister Idris stated, underscoring the government's commitment to minimizing harm.
Surveillance and Evidence Supporting the Strike
The strike followed weeks of intensive surveillance after increased attacks were traced to the same network operating along the Bindul–Jilli corridor. Security sources linked the area to an improvised explosive device (IED) incident earlier in the year and coordinated attacks in Ngamdu and Benisheikh just days before the airstrike. Additionally, the government cited the arrest of a 15-year-old ISWAP courier in Ngamdu, identified as Tijjani, who allegedly confessed to moving funds and supplies between Jilli and other locations.
Officials pointed out that this arrest highlighted the level of insurgent activity in the area and how terrorist groups exploit young persons for their operations. Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, was quoted as saying that Jilli and the nearby Gazabure market had been shut down about five years ago after they fell under insurgent control, further justifying the need for military intervention.
Investigation and Ongoing Support Efforts
Following the incident, the Federal Government announced that it had ordered a full and independent investigation to review how the operation was carried out and identify any lapses. The protection of civilian lives remains a core obligation of the Armed Forces, Idris stated, reaffirming the military's commitment to ethical conduct. Efforts are ongoing to support affected communities, with federal agencies working alongside the Borno and Yobe State governments to provide relief materials and assistance.
Residents in conflict areas were advised to obey security directives and avoid locations marked as unsafe, while the public was urged to cooperate with security agencies. The government also cautioned the media against spreading unverified reports, noting that inaccurate information could create confusion and negatively impact ongoing operations.
Broader Context in the Fight Against Terrorism
On the broader fight against terrorism, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, was cited as saying that hundreds of convictions had recently been secured in terrorism-related cases at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Observers, including Amnesty International, the Nigerian Bar Association, and the National Human Rights Commission, monitored these trials to ensure transparency and justice.
The government maintained that it would continue its operations against insurgents and would not allow such incidents to weaken the campaign against terrorism. This stance reflects a determined effort to balance security measures with humanitarian considerations, as Nigeria strives to combat persistent threats in the region.
