By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

The Presidency has officially condemned former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s criticism regarding the recent airstrikes on Jilli Market. Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Communications, labeled Atiku’s remarks as “misleading and reckless,” accusing him of politicizing a sensitive military operation.

The government clarified that the Nigerian Air Force conducted a targeted, intelligence-led operation against insurgent strongholds. They maintained that the strikes were intended to dismantle the logistics hubs of Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters rather than targeting innocent civilians as Atiku had suggested.

According to the Presidency, Jilli Market has not functioned as a legitimate civilian trading hub for a long time. They argued the location has been repurposed by terrorist groups as an operational node within their supply chain to facilitate the movement and coordination of violent actors.

The Presidency warned that framing the military action as an attack on civilians risks distorting public perception and damaging the morale of troops.

They stressed that such comments undermine the national security efforts of personnel currently engaged in the difficult fight against counter-insurgency.

Sunday Dare further accused the former vice president of “opportunism” and inconsistency in his stance on national security. He noted that while Atiku frequently criticizes the government for failing to curb insecurity, he is quick to condemn decisive and intelligence-driven military actions when they are taken.

The statement concluded by urging public figures to avoid “selective outrage” that could weaken the nation’s resolve. The Presidency maintained that addressing Nigeria’s security challenges requires seriousness and unity rather than political commentary that could jeopardize the fight against terrorism.