The Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum said Sunday that Jilli market in Gubio Local Government Area, where a military airstrike reportedly killed civilians, was closed five years ago.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Dauda Illiya, Zulum described the market as a “notorious hub” allegedly used by insurgents and their logistics suppliers.
“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,” Zulum said.
He said he is in consultation with the Yobe State Government and military authorities over the incident.
Zulum said the state maintains close coordination with security agencies before resettling communities or reopening markets in areas affected by insurgency.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting civilians and working with security agencies to restore peace and stability in the region. He also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information to assist ongoing military operations, Iliya said.
The comments followed reports that no fewer than 30 people were feared killed when a military airstrike hit the weekly Jilli market on Saturday evening along the border of Borno State and Yobe State .
The strike, carried out April 11, 2026, was conducted by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai in coordination with the Nigerian Army , following earlier operations targeting suspected insurgent positions in the area.
