The Presidency has sharply criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his reaction to recent airstrikes carried out by the Nigerian Armed Forces on Jilli Market, describing his comments as “misleading” and “opportunistic.”
In a statement issued on Monday, the Special Adviser to the President on Public Communication, Sunday Dare, faulted Atiku’s condemnation of the operation, which targeted insurgent positions in the Jilli axis.
Atiku, who is also a presidential aspirant under the African Democratic Congress, had earlier taken to his X (formerly Twitter) handle to express concern over the airstrikes, alleging that innocent civilians were caught in the crossfire.
“While targeting insurgents, innocent Nigerians were once again reduced to collateral damage. How long will citizens remain unsafe both from terrorists and from the very operations meant to protect them,” Atiku wrote.
However, the Presidency dismissed the claim, insisting that the operation was intelligence-driven and targeted at insurgent strongholds. Dare stated that Jilli Market, though still known by name, has long ceased to function as a civilian marketplace and has instead become a logistics hub for terrorist groups, including Boko Haram and ISWAP.
According to him, the area has evolved into a critical node in the insurgents’ supply chain, facilitating movement, coordination, and sustenance of violent activities.
“For Atiku Abubakar to ignore this context and frame a legitimate military action as an attack on civilians is not only misleading—it is reckless,” Dare said. “It risks distorting public understanding and undermining the morale of those on the frontlines who are daily risking their lives to secure the country.”
The Presidency also accused the former Vice President of inconsistency, noting that while he has repeatedly criticised the administration for failing to tackle insecurity, he was quick to condemn what it described as decisive military action.
“That is not principled opposition—it is opportunism,” Dare added.
He further stressed that Nigeria requires “seriousness, not selective outrage,” urging public figures to support efforts aimed at combating insurgency rather than politicising security operations.
The statement comes amid ongoing military offensives targeting terrorist enclaves across parts of the country, as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle insurgent networks and restore stability.
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