Gov Zulum backs military airstrike, says market hub for insurgents

……..Ban five years ago

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has backed the military airstrike on Jilli market in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno state saying that the market had been officially closed for five years.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, the governor described Jilli market as a notorious hub allegedly used by insurgents and their logistics suppliers.
Zulum said he had been fully briefed on the operation carried out by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, noting that the market, along with Gazabure market, was shut down by the state government due to security concerns.
“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,” he said.

The governor added that he is in close consultation with the Yobe State Government and military authorities over the incident.
He explained that the state maintains strong coordination with security agencies before resettling communities or reopening markets, especially in areas affected by insurgency.
Zulum reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens and sustaining joint efforts with security forces to restore peace and stability across Borno State.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with credible information to aid ongoing operations.

The airstrike, which occurred on April 11, 2026, targeted the Jilli market area along the border between Borno and Yobe states. Reports indicate that no fewer than 30 people were feared killed as explosions hit the busy trading centre, throwing traders and residents into panic.
The operation was conducted by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai in coordination with the Nigerian Army.