Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly condemned the recent airstrike on Dilli Market in the Borno–Yobe border region, describing the incident that killed scores of innocent traders as a devastating failure that should outrage every conscience.
In a statement on Sunday, Atiku raised critical questions regarding the current conduct of counter-insurgency operations and the recurring instances of civilian casualties.
While acknowledging the military’s intent to target insurgents, Atiku lamented that innocent Nigerians were once again reduced to collateral damage.
He expressed profound concern over the persistent insecurity facing citizens, noting that Nigerians now find themselves unsafe from both terrorists and the very military operations designed to provide them with protection.
The former Vice President further referenced a recent high-stakes rescue operation by the United States.
He noted that the U.S. reportedly deployed over 150 aircraft and spent an estimated $300 million to rescue a single pilot in Iran, even destroying equipment worth over $100 million to ensure one life was saved.
Atiku used this comparison to challenge the Nigerian government and military leadership to reflect on the value currently placed on the lives of Nigerian citizens.
The statement called for an urgent and comprehensive review of operational protocols, demanding accountability and decisive action to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
Atiku emphasized that the frequent loss of civilian lives during kinetic operations is a trend that must be halted through better intelligence and more refined engagement strategies.
Concluding his remarks with a message of solidarity, Atiku extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the affected communities in Borno and Yobe states.
He reaffirmed that upholding the sanctity of life must remain the primary focus of the Nigerian state, urging the authorities to ensure that national security measures do not continue to come at such a staggering human cost.