Christopher Musa has warned that individuals aiding terrorists will be treated as accomplices and face the same consequences as insurgents.
Musa issued the warning during a press interview on Monday while reacting to ongoing military operations in the north-east.
“Their sponsors are whoever their supporters are, they should know… our new strategy is anybody — a friend of a thief is a thief,” he said.
“Anybody that is doing any trading or any support to them, we will find you together with them. We’re going to deal with you like the bandit, like the terrorist.”
He urged residents to avoid any association with insurgents, warning that proximity or support could put civilians at risk.
“If you don’t want to be harmed, please avoid where those terrorists are and don’t give them any support,” he added.
The defence chief’s comments come amid controversy over a recent airstrike on Jilli market along the Borno–Yobe border, where several civilians were reportedly killed and injured.
The Yobe State Government said the strike targeted a Boko Haram stronghold and was carried out by the air component of Operation Hadin Kai.
However, reports of civilian casualties have raised fresh concerns over the conduct of military operations in conflict-affected areas.