‘Anyone Hit In Jilli Market Airstrike Is Not Innocent’, Says Defence Minister

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has defended the recent military airstrike on Jilli Market in Borno State, insisting that those affected were not innocent civilians but individuals knowingly engaged in supporting terrorist activities.

Speaking during an appearance on ARISE News Prime Time show, Gen. Musa said the location had long been designated a restricted zone due to its use by insurgents as a supply hub.

According to him, the market served as a logistics base where terror groups sourced fertiliser for improvised explosive devices (IEDs), as well as food and fuel.

“Nobody in that area was innocent. None of them. And I can attest to you that if any of them is innocent, they would have said it,” he said.

“It is really disturbing when people try to change the narrative to make it appear as if those affected were just innocent people.

“They knew why they were there. They were making brisk business. I tell you, if you take a bag of rice in that area, you sell it for about N150,000. The money is much. So, the attraction is so much.”

Musa further alleged that traders and suppliers deliberately exploited the high demand within the enclave, transporting goods such as fuel for profit.

“People buy fuel, take a full tank, go there, empty it and sell it to them. And they make so much money.

“So, the attraction is for them to make brisk business. And that’s what keeps them going. That’s what we’ve warned,” he added.

LEADERSHIP reports that more than 100 people were reportedly killed in the airstrike, which has since sparked controversy and concerns over civilian casualties.

Shifting focus, the defence minister also suggested that the recent surge in terrorist attacks across the North-East could be politically motivated.

He argued that insecurity often escalates during election periods, as some actors attempt to portray the government as ineffective.

“Any time it’s a political year, it goes up. And why is that so? Individuals want to take advantage to make the government look weak or to show that they are still capable and that there’s no need to keep the government because of that,” Musa said.

“You don’t have to kill the people you want to govern. Why do you have to go and make sure that things like this increase just because you think you want to make some cheap goals?”

He maintained that despite ongoing attacks, Nigeria was making progress in combating insecurity, urging citizens to support the armed forces and remain vigilant.

“We’ve had a number of casualties. It is a war that is ongoing, and that’s why it’s important for us to understand that we all need to remain alert, continue to support the armed forces, and continue to support the government so that we can win,” he said.

“We’re fighting a determined enemy who is getting support from outside and who has nothing to lose.”