By Salihu Pirkusu, Maiduguri
The Borno Movement for Security and Stability (BMSS), has strongly condemns the hypocritical and misleading narratives being advanced by certain media outlets and public figures concerning the recent military airstrike on terrorist elements within the Jilli market in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State.
This was contained in a press statement signed by the Coordinator of the Movement, Mallam Kashim Bukar on Tuesday.
He said: “Characterizing the location as a functioning civilian market is both inaccurate and deceptive.
“Official records and statements from the Borno State Government clearly establish that Jilli market has been shut down for over five years due to persistent terrorist activities.
“Portraying it otherwise is a deliberate distortion of facts aimed at discrediting ongoing counterterrorism operations and undermining public confidence in the Armed Forces”. Bukar stated.
Continuing further he said: “Notably, the Nigerian military high command has released credible pre-strike surveillance evidence confirming the presence of armed terrorist elements at the location.
“The footage reportedly showed multiple gun trucks and operational vehicles, further affirming that the market had been repurposed into a key logistics hub and staging ground for insurgent operations.
“It is equally important to underscore that the recent deadly attacks on Ngamdu and Benesheik communities which led to the tragic loss of senior officers and gallant soldiers were coordinated from the same Jilli market axis.
“This reinforces the strategic importance of the location within the operational network of terrorist groups.
“Further corroboration emerged from the arrest of a 15-year-old logistics courier linked to Boko Haram in Ngamdu, who was found in possession of ₦850,000.
“The suspect reportedly confessed that recent attacks were coordinated from Jilli, providing critical insight into the area’s role as a major insurgent logistics base”. Bukar explained.
In his words, the suspect according to Bukar was quoted at have said: “My name is Tijjani, I am 15 years old. I was arrested on Sunday, 12 April 2026, at Ngamdu, Borno State. I participated in the attacks on Benesheik and Ngamdu on Thursday. We mobilised from Jilli before the attack and returned there afterwards.
“I was later sent from Jilli with ₦850,000 to procure logistics in Ngamdu, but I was apprehended by troops. I left my colleagues in Jilli on Saturday and have no information about their current situation.”
In view of these developments, BMSS commends the troops of Operation HADIN KAI, for their professionalism, resilience, and unwavering dedication to restoring peace and stability in the North East region.
The Movement calls on all Nigerians to remain vigilant, patriotic, and supportive of the Armed Forces. Citizens are urged to reject misinformation and propaganda that serve only to embolden enemies of the state. National security is a shared responsibility, and unity remains essential in the collective fight against terrorism.
