Nigeria's Military-Industrial Complex and the Unintended Consequences of Counter-Terrorism: A Systemic Analysis of the Jilli Market Airstrike
Original framing: “Survivors ask why Nigeria bombed busy market in effort to target jihadist group” — The Guardian - World
Survivors—predominantly women, children, and informal traders—are the most marginalized yet most vocal about the strike's human toll. Their testimonies, amplified by local NGOs, reveal systemic neglect of civilian protection and a lack of reparative mechanisms. Elevating these perspectives is essential for a rights‑based security framework.
The Jilli market airstrike exemplifies how militarized counter‑terrorism, rooted in historical patterns and reinforced by cross‑cultural precedents, perpetuates cycles of violence that marginalised communities bear most heavily.
Scientific evidence and indigenous knowledge converge to reveal that kinetic force generates new terror, a paradox highlighted by the trickster reading. Future modelling shows that without integrating community‑led mediation, transparent accountability, and socio‑economic development, the security landscape will deteriorate. By weaving together historical, cultural, scientific, and artistic insights, a systemic shift toward rights‑based, participatory security becomes both necessary and achievable.