The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has warned that individuals who support or collaborate with terrorists will be treated as criminals and dealt with accordingly.
Musa issued the warning on Monday while reacting to the recent Nigerian Air Force airstrike in Jilli, Borno State.
He spoke after an expanded security meeting held in Kaduna with the state governor and heads of security agencies.
According to him, the operation underscores the Federal Government’s resolve to intensify the fight against terrorism and send a clear message to collaborators of insurgent groups.
The minister stressed that anyone found aiding insurgents would face the same consequences as the perpetrators, warning civilians against any form of support or association with terrorist elements.
“A friend of a thief is a thief,” Musa said, urging residents to stay away from areas identified as terrorist hideouts, noting that proximity or cooperation with such groups could have serious consequences.
The airstrike, carried out near Jilli village in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State, reportedly targeted an ISWAP enclave and logistics base.
The Nigerian Air Force had described the operation as intelligence-driven, aimed at neutralising terrorist elements and destroying their operational infrastructure.
However, there have been reports alleging that the strike may have affected a weekly market in the area, with claims of civilian casualties, including cross-border traders.
Musa maintained that the operation should serve as a strong warning to those supporting insurgent activities, reiterating the military’s commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist networks across the country.
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