Governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, has reaffirmed his support for ongoing military operations in the state following the recent airstrike on Jilli area of Gubio Local Government Area.
Speaking on the incident linked to the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai on Saturday, the governor warned residents against aiding, harbouring, or providing logistics support to Boko Haram insurgents. Jilli, a border community between Borno and Yobe States, has been identified as a key location in counter-insurgency operations.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, Zulum described Jilli Market as a notorious hub allegedly used by insurgents and their collaborators. He also clarified that the state government had long restricted activities in the area.
“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,” the governor said.
The governor further noted that he is in close coordination with the Yobe State Government and security authorities, stressing that market reopenings and community resettlements are only done with full security clearance.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and support ongoing military efforts with credible intelligence.