Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has directed military and other security personnel to immediately engage and neutralise terrorists and armed bandits without waiting for operational clearance, warning that any officer who hesitates could be regarded as collaborating with criminals.
Musa gave the directive on Wednesday in Sokoto State during the commissioning of 62 operational vehicles and security equipment valued at ₦27.127 billion, procured by the Sokoto State Government to strengthen security operations across the state.
Addressing security personnel at the event, the minister said troops deployed to combat insecurity must act decisively whenever they encounter terrorists or bandits.
“Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist,” he said.
He warned that any security operative who refuses to confront armed criminals under the excuse of awaiting instructions would be treated like a bandit.
The minister described the commissioning of the operational assets as evidence of strategic leadership and commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for consistently supporting security agencies with logistics and operational equipment.
According to Musa, the investment will improve operational mobility, intelligence gathering, surveillance and force protection in the fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.
He also cautioned security agencies against neglecting the newly acquired assets, stressing that the equipment must be properly maintained to achieve the purpose for which it was procured.
Musa urged security personnel to remain professional and avoid harassing innocent citizens, insisting that their primary responsibility is to protect communities while eliminating criminal elements.
Governor Aliyu said the latest procurement forms part of his administration’s sustained investment in security since taking office.
The governor disclosed that the state acquired bulletproof vehicles, Buffalo Armoured Personnel Carriers, 320 motorcycles, 3,200 security gadgets, 2,000 bulletproof helmets and ballistic vests, 200 night-vision goggles, thermal devices and other tactical equipment.
He revealed that the newly distributed vehicles and equipment cost ₦27.127 billion, adding that his administration has invested over ₦36 billion in security interventions, including military and police facilities, the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps and support for the Nigerian Air Force Base.
Aliyu also announced that a bill proposing tougher sanctions for informants working with bandits is before the State House of Assembly and would be signed into law once passed.
He added that the government has approved the establishment of a Command and Control Centre to strengthen surveillance and coordination of security operations across the state.
The governor appealed to residents to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies, saying collective action remains essential to defeating insecurity.
