Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has cautioned residents against aiding, harbouring, or providing logistical support to insurgents, following recent military operations in the Jilli area of Gubio Local Government Area.
The warning comes in the wake of airstrikes carried out on April 11, 2026, by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, targeting suspected terrorist elements in the region.
Jilli, a border community between Gubio in Borno and Geidam in Yobe State, has been identified as a key location in ongoing counter-insurgency efforts.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, Zulum described Jilli Market as a known hub allegedly used by Boko Haram 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,” the governor said.
He added that he is in close consultation with the Yobe State Government and military authorities regarding the development.
Zulum explained that the state government works closely with security agencies before reopening markets or resettling communities in conflict-affected areas, ensuring safety and stability are prioritised.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens and sustaining collaboration with security forces to restore peace across the state.
The governor also urged residents to remain vigilant and support security operations by providing credible intelligence to authorities.
What you should know
Governor Zulum’s warning highlights the critical role of civilian cooperation in combating insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East.
By stressing that Jilli Market had been officially closed, the government suggests that any activity there may have been linked to illegal or unsafe operations. The ongoing military campaign under Operation HADIN KAI continues to target insurgent networks, but success depends heavily on intelligence from local communities.
Residents are being reminded that aiding insurgents, whether knowingly or unknowingly, can undermine security efforts and prolong instability in the region.
