By Ariyo Zainab
The Presidency has described allegations by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar that the Federal Government is targeting civilians in recent military operations as misleading and reckless.
The reaction follows airstrikes conducted by the Nigerian Air Force over the weekend at Jilli Market, located within the Jilli axis, a known area of insurgent activity.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, the government said the operation was intelligence-led and targeted at terrorist positions.
The Presidency maintained that although commonly referred to as a market, Jilli has over time been overtaken and repurposed as a logistics and trading hub for terrorist groups, including Boko Haram and ISWAP.
It added that the location now serves as an operational base supporting the movement, coordination, and sustenance of insurgent activities in the region.
The statement faulted Atiku’s position, noting that his remarks failed to acknowledge the security context surrounding the operation.
According to the Presidency, criticising military action while also condemning government efforts to tackle insecurity reflects contradiction and political opportunism.
The government warned that such claims could undermine public confidence and affect the morale of security personnel engaged in counter-insurgency operations.
It reiterated that the Armed Forces will continue to carry out targeted operations against terrorist enclaves as part of ongoing efforts to restore security across the country.
The Presidency also urged political leaders to exercise caution in public statements and prioritise national interest in matters relating to security.