Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has sent a strong warning at individuals aiding criminal groups, declaring that anyone found supporting bandits or terrorists will be treated as a combatant.
The tough stance comes in the wake of the controversial airstrikes on Jilli Market, as security authorities double down on efforts to dismantle networks backing insurgents.
Musa made the declaration during a visit to Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, ahead of an Expanded Security Council meeting.
Reacting to the fallout from the Jilli operation, the defence chief made it clear that not only armed groups but also their collaborators would face the full force of the military.
“A friend of a thief is a thief. Anybody who is doing any trading or providing any support to them, we will find you together and we will deal with you like bandits, like terrorists,” he said.
His remarks signal a no-holds-barred approach by the federal government in confronting insecurity, especially targeting those accused of enabling armed groups behind the scenes.
The warning comes amid outrage over reports that at least 50 civilians were killed during the airstrike on Jilli Market, located between Gubio in Borno State and Geidam in Yobe State, during an anti-insurgent mission.
The incident has generated heated reactions nationwide, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemning the operation.
However, the presidency refuted that, accusing Atiku of politicising a military action aimed at dislodging insurgents.
