Presidency faults Atiku’s reaction to Borno airstrike, calls statement ‘reckless’

The Presidency has slammed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his criticism of the recent military airstrike in Borno State, accusing him of misrepresenting facts and politicizing the anti-insurgency operation.

In a statement issued on Monday, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, defended the operation, describing it as a calculated military action based on credible intelligence.

According to Dare, the Nigerian Air Force carried out “targeted and intelligence-led airstrikes” against what he identified as a rebel enclave in the Jilli axis, noting that the area had become a major operational base for the terrorist group.

He believes that although the location is still popularly known as Jilli Market, it no longer serves a civic purpose.

“While the location may still be referred to as ‘Jilli Market’, it is not yet functioning as a legitimate civic market,” he said.

Dare further explained that the site had been taken over by criminal elements.

“repurposed as a logistics and trade center for terrorist elements,” including fighters associated with Boko Haram and ISWAP.

He criticized Atiku for portraying the attack as an attack on civilians, and warned that such a narrative could undermine public confidence in the military and affect troop morale.

“For Atiku Abubakar to ignore this context and consider legitimate military actions to be attacks on civilians is not only misleading—it is reckless,” he said.

The presidential aide also accused the opposition figure of being inconsistent in his approach to security issues.

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“He consistently criticizes the government for failing to curb insecurity, but when decisive, intelligence-based action is taken, he immediately condemns it. That is not principled opposition — this is opportunism,” Dare added.

Taking broader action, he urged more measured public comment on national security.

“At some point, clarity has to come first. You can’t dine with the devil and still pretend to support the masses. Nigeria deserves seriousness, not selective outrage,” he said.

However, Atiku previously condemned the operation, expressing concern over reports of civilian casualties.

“The air strike on Jilli market that killed dozens of innocent traders was not only tragic, but a devastating failure that should outrage every conscience,” he said.

He also expressed concern about repeated losses of civilians during military fighting.

“In targeting insurgents, innocent Nigerians are once again victims. How long will citizens remain unsafe both from terrorists and from operations meant to protect them?” he added.

The airstrike, carried out under Operation HADIN KAI, has sparked heated debate, with conflicting reports regarding its impact.

Although military authorities stated that the location was a verified terrorist logistics center, local sources and officials indicated that civilians were among those affected. Initial reports suggest that more than 40 civilians may have been killed, although the exact number remains unconfirmed.

Operation HADIN KAI spokesman, Sani Uba, said the attack was carried out following “rigorous targeting procedures” supported by intelligence gathering and aerial surveillance.

He added that assessments after the operation showed that some of the rebels were neutralized, with vehicles and logistical infrastructure destroyed.

The military also pointed to previous attacks on troops in the region, including an incident in January 2026 that reportedly killed eight soldiers, as part of its justification for stepping up operations.

Despite defense by the military, the Yobe State Government admitted that civilians were inadvertently affected, further fueling concerns about loss of life in the operation.