The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has declared that anyone found to be supporting or trading with bandits and terrorist organisations will be treated as an insurgent.
Musa conveyed this stern warning during a security council meeting held in Kaduna State. His remarks were made in direct response to the recent military airstrike conducted in the Jilli market area.
Local reports indicate that the strike resulted in the deaths of over 100 civilians and left numerous others injured.
"A friend of a thief is a thief; I have stated this multiple times," Minister Musa stated.
He further elaborated, "Anyone found engaging in any form of trade or providing support to them will be apprehended and dealt with precisely like the bandits and terrorists. We will treat you as one of them."
"Therefore, the public needs to understand that if you wish to avoid harm, you must stay away from areas frequented by these terrorists and refrain from offering them any form of assistance."
The military has clarified that the operation was a targeted strike aimed at dismantling what they identified as a suspected terrorist stronghold, a logistics hub, and a centre for their collaborators in the Jilli region of Gubio Local Government Area.
According to official statements, the location was identified as a key transit point and meeting ground for fighters associated with the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and their affiliates.
The Yobe State Government confirmed that the airstrike was part of ongoing military efforts to combat suspected Boko Haram insurgents operating in the vicinity.
However, Amnesty International has publicly condemned the operation, asserting that approximately 100 non-combatants lost their lives as a result of the bombing.
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