Nigeria market strike not a mistake: defence minister
Defence Minister Christopher Musa said those targeted were “all terrorists or individuals collaborating with them.”
Nigeria’s Defence Minister Christopher Musa has defended the military’s air strike on Jilli market in Borno state, insisting it was not an error as some critics have claimed.
The minister said those targeted were “all terrorists or individuals collaborating with them,” stressing that the operation was based on credible intelligence.
He made the remarks in an interview with TRT Afrika Hausa at the sixth edition of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.
“The incident at Jilli was not a mistake… anyone found with them is one of them,” he said, warning civilians against providing any form of support to terrorists groups, including food or medical aid.
He added that such assistance enables terrorists to sustain their operations, noting, “If people stop supplying them… this problem will end completely.”
Addressing concerns about repeated accidental airstrikes affecting civilians, he denied that such incidents are ongoing, saying no similar mistake has occurred since the Tudun Biri episode.
Nigeria–Türkiye ties
On foreign relations, particularly with Türkiye, Musa said Nigeria’s participation in the forum in Antalya reflects efforts by the government to strengthen partnerships aimed at improving security.
He noted this was their second visit within months, following an earlier trip in January with the president, during which initial agreements on defence cooperation were discussed.
According to him, “Their president assured us that whatever military equipment we need… they will provide,” highlighting Türkiye’s support for Nigeria.
Musa explained that Nigeria has long procured military hardware from Türkiye, including APC and MRAP vehicles, helicopters, and other operational equipment, adding that plans are underway to expand this cooperation.
In a new development, Nigeria is also working to establish local defence manufacturing in partnership with Türkiye.
“We will bring them to Nigeria to produce what we need… including arms, ammunition, and other equipment,” he said.
He emphasized that this move will reduce dependence on foreign supply and strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to tackle insecurity.
The defence minister concluded that the growing partnership between Nigeria and Türkiye was crucial to achieving lasting peace, affirming that both countries will continue to work together until stability is fully restored.