Borno State Governor Zulum addresses Jilli market airstrike, states market was closed five years ago

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum stated that the Jilli market in Gubio local government area, where a military airstrike reportedly killed civilians, had been closed for five years. In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, Governor Zulum described Jilli market as a hub allegedly used by insurgents and their logistics suppliers. He confirmed being briefed on the airstrike by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai and noted that the Borno State Government closed Jilli and Gazabure markets five years ago. The Governor is in close consultation with the Government of Yobe State and the military hierarchy regarding the incident. He emphasized that the Borno State Government coordinates with the military and other security agencies before resettling communities or reopening markets in insurgency-affected areas. Governor Zulum reaffirmed his administration's commitment to protecting citizens and collaborating with security agencies to restore peace. Residents were urged to remain vigilant and provide credible information to aid military operations. The airstrike, which occurred on April 11, 2026, reportedly killed at least 30 people at the weekly market in Jilli village, located on the border between Borno and Yobe states. The strikes were conducted by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI in coordination with the Nigerian Army after an earlier operation targeting terrorist positions.