Jilli Market was closed five years ago, don’t aid Boko Haram — Zulum

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has warned residents against aiding, harbouring or providing logistical support to Boko Haram insurgents, saying the government had shut down Jilli Market — struck in Saturday’s airstrike — five years ago.

Zulum, who spoke in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, said he had been fully briefed on the airstrike carried out by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai in the Jilli general area of Gubio Local Government Area on April 11.

“Let me state categorically that the Borno State Government closed Jilli and Gazabure markets five years ago,” the governor said, describing the market as a notorious hub allegedly used by insurgents and their logistics suppliers.

“I am in close consultation with the Government of Yobe State and the military hierarchy on the matter,” he added.

Jilli is a border community between Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State and Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State.

Zulum explained that his administration maintains close coordination with the military and other security agencies before resettling any community or reopening markets in areas affected by insurgency.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information to aid ongoing military operations, reiterating his administration’s commitment to restoring lasting peace and stability across the state.