Presidency criticizes Atiku over comments on Borno airstrike

Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, stated that the Nigerian Air Force conducted intelligence-led airstrikes on insurgent enclaves within the Jilli axis, which he described as a logistics hub for terrorist groups including Boko Haram and ISWAP. Dare asserted that the location, though still called 'Jilli Market,' no longer functioned as a legitimate civilian marketplace. He accused Atiku of politicizing a military operation and undermining public confidence by framing it as an attack on civilians.

Dare described Atiku's stance as contradictory, noting that he criticizes the government for insecurity but condemns decisive action. Atiku had earlier condemned the strike as a "devastating failure" due to reports of civilian casualties, warning against the repeated loss of civilian lives during military operations. The airstrike, conducted under Operation HADIN KAI, has generated controversy, with conflicting accounts of casualties.

While the military maintained the location was a verified terrorist logistics hub, local authorities and emergency officials confirmed civilians were affected, with preliminary reports suggesting over 40 civilian deaths, though unverified. A spokesperson for Operation HADIN KAI, Sani Uba, stated the strik