Presidency Fires Back as Dare Accuses Atiku of Misleading Nigerians on Airstrikes

Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, has intensified criticism of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his comments on recent military airstrikes in Borno State, accusing him of distorting facts and undermining national security efforts.

In a strongly worded post on his X handle, captioned “Atiku: A Questionable Patriot,” Dare said the opposition figure’s remarks alleging civilian targeting in the Jilli axis were misleading and failed to acknowledge the operational realities confronting troops on the frontlines.

Dare explained that the Nigerian Air Force carried out intelligence-driven strikes on identified insurgent enclaves within and around the area commonly referred to as Jilli Market. He maintained that while the location retains its name, it has, over the years, been overtaken and repurposed by terrorist groups, including Boko Haram and ISWAP, as a logistics and coordination hub.

According to him, credible intelligence has consistently indicated that the area serves as a node for the movement of supplies and fighters, making it a legitimate military target in the ongoing counterinsurgency campaign.

The presidential aide warned that portraying such operations as attacks on civilians not only misinforms the public but also risks weakening national resolve and eroding the morale of troops engaged in high-risk operations.

He further criticised what he described as a pattern of contradictory statements by Atiku, noting that the former vice president frequently condemns the government over insecurity but is quick to fault decisive military actions when they are undertaken.

Dare argued that such rhetoric amounts to opportunistic politics, stressing that national security issues require a level of responsibility and restraint, particularly from senior political figures.

He urged stakeholders to support the Armed Forces and avoid narratives that could embolden insurgent elements or create confusion about the objectives of ongoing operations.
The latest exchange underscores growing tensions between the Presidency and opposition voices over the handling of security challenges, even as military authorities continue intensified offensives aimed at dismantling terrorist networks across Nigeria’s North-East.