Jilli market airstrike: We’ll deal with anyone supporting terrorists – Nigeria’s Defense Minister

‎Nigeria’s minister of defense, Christopher Musa, has issued a stern warning to individuals accused of supporting criminal elements, declaring that anyone found aiding bandits or terrorists will be treated as a combatant.

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‎Musa made the remarks following his visit to Uba Sani at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna, ahead of the Kaduna State Expanded Security Council meeting.

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‎Reacting to the recent airstrikes on Jilli Market, the defense minister emphasized that security forces would not spare those providing any form of assistance to criminal groups.

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‎“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.

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‎The statement underscores the federal government’s hard-line stance on tackling insecurity, particularly against networks suspected of aiding armed groups operating in parts of the country.

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‎Musa reiterated the military’s commitment to intensifying operations against banditry and terrorism, warning that both perpetrators and their collaborators would face decisive action.

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‎His comments come after at least 50 civilians were reportedly killed in Jilli Market, located between Gubio in Borno State and Geidam in Yobe State, during an anti-insurgent operation.

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‎The killing had stirred controversy, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemning the airstrike.

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‎However, the presidency tackled Atiku for politicizing the operation targeted at dislodged insurgents.

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