Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s minister of defence, has warned that individuals aiding or doing business with bandits and terrorist groups will now be treated as insurgents by the federal government.
He gave the warning during a security council meeting in Kaduna while reacting to the recent military airstrike on Jilli market, which reportedly left over 100 civilians dead and several others injured.
“A friend of a thief is a thief, I’ve said that severally,” Musa said.
“Anybody that is doing any trading, any support to them, we find you together with them, we’re going to deal with you like the bandits, like the terrorists.
“So people should know if you don’t want to be harmed, please avoid where those terrorists are and don’t give them any support.”
According to the military, the strike targeted a suspected terrorist enclave and logistics hub in Jilli, identified as a convergence point for fighters linked to ISWAP.
The Yobe State Government also stated that the operation was aimed at Boko Haram insurgents in the area.
However, Amnesty International condemned the operation, alleging that about 100 civilians were killed in the bombing.