₦airaland Forum

A former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has described the recent airstrike on Jilli Market as a necessary military action against a terrorist stronghold.

Mr Buratai, in a statement on Sunday, said the strike was based on credible intelligence indicating that Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters were using the market for logistics and operations.

He acknowledged reports of civilian casualties, noting that the loss of the innocent lives was painful and deeply regrettable.

The former army chief, however, commended the Nigerian Air Force and intelligence agencies for what he described as courage and professionalism in executing the operation.

According to him, Jilli market has a long history as a terrorist logistics hub in spite of repeated military raids and closures over the years.

He recalled that troops had occupied the area during Operation LAST HOLD in 2018, engaging insurgents in several encounters.

Mr Buratai noted that terrorists continued to exploit the market with the cooperation of some individuals who patronised and supplied them.

He stressed that insurgents often embed within civilian populations, using them as shields, thereby complicating military operations.

“No military wishes to harm civilians, but when such locations are persistently used by terrorists, action becomes necessary,” he said.

He urged residents of Geidam, Gubio, Damasak and Ngamdu to desist from trading in markets linked to insurgent activities.

According to him, communities that continue such interactions risk exposure to military operations targeting terrorists.

Mr Buratai therefore called for sustained public support for the armed forces, emphasising that decisive action remained key to ending insurgency.

He added that while the nation mourned the innocent victims, it must remained resolute in confronting terrorists.

He also prayed for the repose of the souls of those who died and speedy recovery for the injured.

Cyberterror:
But Peter Obi's friend Sheikh Gumi is crying that the airforce bombed his followers.

Friend of a terrorist is a terrorist.

AMINDA:
Do you mean Seyi Tinubu's friend?

AMINDA:
Do you mean Seyi Tinubu's friend?

ERockson:
Buratai knew for sure that the market is for terrorists and he did nothing then as the military head.

Cyberterror:
AI

helinues:
That's discussion for another day. Do you agree the bombing of the market is justifiable?

That's what this thread about

Cyberterror:
AI

madridguy:
Nice one from you Gen. Buratai.

A terrorist sympathizer is also a terrorist. No more, no less.

Cyberterror:
But Peter Obi's friend Sheikh Gumi is crying that the airforce bombed his followers.

Friend of a terrorist is a terrorist.

helinues:
That's discussion for another day. Do you agree the bombing of the market is justifiable?

That's what this thread about

madridguy:
Nice one from you Gen. Buratai.

A terrorist sympathizer is also a terrorist. No more, no less.

helinues:
That's discussion for another day. Do you agree the bombing of the market is justifiable?

That's what this thread about

helinues:
Even the people that are concerned are justifying the bombing of Jiji market.

The opposition should stop being insensitive about serious issues like this

magoo10:
The same Buratai and the present APC with their supporters were against it when Jonathan through the chief of army staff then Ihejirika did same,they went ahead to petition the International court that the people of the north were being killed and Buhari even categorically said that if you kill Boko haram you were killing the north.
Kama is after hybenating these monsters they come back to be a thorn in your flesh.

Cyberterror:
But Peter Obi's friend Sheikh Gumi is crying that the airforce bombed his followers.

Friend of a terrorist is a terrorist.

dalongjnr:
This exactly what I posted on my previous posts on the issue of jilli bombing 💣 not knowing that Burutai will say the same.
Obviously, jilli is a terrorist market and hotbed, that market was closed multiple times by the government and Nigerian Army but the terrorist in collaboration with their aiders continue to operate the weekly market.
I know jilli well,and I'm surprised that the market is still operational.
I can tell you, categorically that more than half of those killed in that strikes are terrorist.
The most surprising thing is the response of arewa consultative for which was annoying and vexatious due to the fact that,it's siding with the terrorists and their collaborators.