Abuja, NIGERIA – Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reacted with heavy criticism to the accidental military airstrike that killed dozens of civilians at Jilli Market, describing the incident as a “devastating failure” of national security.
Okay News reports that in a statement released on Sunday, April 12, 2026, Atiku expressed outrage over the recurring issue of civilians being caught in the crossfire of anti-insurgency operations. He noted that while the intent was to target terrorists, the outcome reduced innocent Nigerians to “collateral damage.”
Drawing a sharp contrast with international standards of citizen protection, Atiku referenced a recent high-stakes rescue operation by the United States. “Just a few days ago, the United States deployed over 150 aircraft and spent an estimated $300 million to rescue just one pilot in Iran, even destroying equipment worth over $100 million each to protect a single life,” he stated. “That is the value they place on one citizen. Here at home, we must ask: what is the value of Nigerian lives?”
The former Vice President called for an urgent review of military engagement protocols and demanded accountability to ensure such a tragedy does not happen again. He concluded by extending his condolences to the bereaved families and the communities along the Borno-Yobe border, reminding the government that the “ultimate essence” of national security is the protection of its own people.
