The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has warned that anybody discovered offering assist or participating in commerce with bandits or terrorist {groups} will henceforth be handled as an rebel.
Musa issued the warning throughout a safety council assembly in Kaduna State, whereas reacting to the current navy airstrike on Jilli market.
The strike reportedly left greater than 100 civilians useless and a number of other others injured, in keeping with native accounts.
“A pal of a thief is a thief, I’ve mentioned that severally,” Musa mentioned.
He added: “Anyone that’s doing any buying and selling, any assist to them, we discover you along with them, we’re going to cope with you just like the bandits, just like the terrorists.
“So folks ought to know when you don’t need to be harmed, please keep away from the place these terrorists are and don’t give them any assist.”
In line with the navy, the operation was a precision strike concentrating on a suspected terrorist enclave, logistics hub, and collaborators within the Jilli space of Gubio Native Authorities Space.
It mentioned the placement had been recognized as a motion hall and convergence level for fighters linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and their associates.
The Yobe State Authorities mentioned the strike shaped a part of an ongoing navy operation concentrating on suspected Boko Haram insurgents within the space.
Nonetheless, Amnesty Worldwide condemned the operation, alleging that about 100 non-combatants have been killed through the bombing.
Boluwatife Enome
Times Nigeria