A former Chief of Army Staff, Ambassador Lt Gen Tukur
Buratai, has reacted to the Jilli Market airstrike which happened along the
Borno-Yobe border.
Over 50 persons were reported to have lost their lives in
the strikes, with many others were injured.
Buratai said that while any loss of innocent life was deeply
unfortunate and painful, the Nigerian Air Force must be commended for the
intelligence and courage and professionalism displayed in the operation in the
area he described as a den of terrorists.
He said the strike was a targeted military action based on
credible intelligence that Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists were using the
weekly market at Jilli to collect illegal levies, procure supplies, and plan
further attacks.
“The public should understand the history ofJilli Market. It
has long been a notorious terrorist logistics hub,” Buratai said in a statement
on Sunday.
He continued, “The Nigerian Army repeatedly raided and shut
it down. In 2018, during Operation LAST HOLD, our troops occupied the area and
engaged in multiple clashes with insurgents.
“Despite several closures, the terrorists continued to
operate the market with the cooperation of some individuals who patronised and
supplied them.
“It is deeply regrettable that innocent lives may have been
caught in the strike, but the sole responsibility rests with the terrorists who
deliberately embed themselves within civilian spaces as human shields.
“No military wishes to harm civilians, but when a market is
dominated by terrorist logistics and warnings have been ignored for years, the
military has a duty to act.
“I appeal to the people of Geidam, Gubio, Damasak, and
Ngamdu to cooperate with the military. Stop patronising or supplying goods to
any market where terrorists establish or frequent. Communities that continue to
trade with insurgents will inevitably find themselves in harm’s way.
“The armed forces deserve our support. They acted on solid
intelligence and struck a legitimate target. While we mourn innocent lives
lost, we must not weaken our resolve against an enemy that shows no mercy.
“Victory is certain with continued military action and
civilian cooperation. May the souls of the departed innocent rest in peace, and
may the injured recover swiftly.
“The military deserves our unwavering support. They acted
based on credible intelligence and targeted a legitimate objective. Although we
grieve for the innocent lives that have been lost, we must not allow our
determination to falter against an adversary that exhibits no compassion.
“Success is assured with ongoing military efforts and the
collaboration of civilians. May the souls of the innocent who have departed
find eternal peace, and may those who are injured experience a swift recovery.”
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com