The Governor of Borno state, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum has stated that the Borno State Government had closed Jilli and Gazabure markets five years ago, following concerns over their alleged use as logistics hubs by insurgents.
Governor Zulum made the clarification while reacting to recent air operations carried out by the Air Component of the Joint Task Force under Operation Hadin Kai in the Jilli general area of Gubio Local Government Area on April 11, 2026.
Jilli, a border community between Gubio Local Government Area and Geidam Local Government Area, has been described by security sources as a difficult terrain in ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dauda Iliya, Zulum said Jilli market had long been shut down by the state government.
“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 the state government is in close consultation with the Government of Yobe State and the military hierarchy over the incident.
“I am in close consultation with the Government of Yobe State and the military hierarchy on the matter,” he said.
Governor Zulum further explained that his administration maintains strict coordination with security agencies before reopening or resettling any community or market in insurgency-affected areas.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens while strengthening collaboration with the military and other security agencies to achieve lasting peace in the North-East.
Zulum also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible intelligence to security agencies to support ongoing operations against insurgents.
