From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), on Wednesday, directed troops engaged in counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations to shoot terrorists and bandits on sight without waiting for further authorisation, declaring that the Federal Government would no longer tolerate hesitation in confronting armed criminals.
Musa issued the directive in Sokoto during the commissioning of security assets worth ₦27.6 billion procured by the Sokoto State Government to strengthen ongoing operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
Addressing military personnel and other security operatives at the Giginya Memorial Stadium, the Defence Minister said soldiers deployed to operational theatres must act decisively whenever they encounter terrorists or bandits, warning that any operative who refuses to engage criminals under the guise of awaiting orders would be treated as an accomplice.
“Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist. Anybody who refuses to shoot or kill any bandit or terrorist in the name of waiting for an order, we will treat you like a bandit. This is a general order”, Musa said.
The minister stressed that the Armed Forces were determined to sustain the offensive against criminal groups threatening Nigeria’s peace and security, insisting that troops must seize every opportunity to neutralise terrorists before they inflict harm on innocent citizens.
His remarks came as the Sokoto State Government unveiled one of its biggest security intervention programmes, comprising armoured personnel carriers, tactical vehicles and 300 motorcycles to enhance security operations across vulnerable communities.
The equipment was commissioned in the presence of senior military officers, heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, government officials and residents.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu described the ₦27.6 billion investment as a strategic intervention aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of security agencies to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
He said the procurement forms part of his administration’s broader strategy to restore peace, particularly in rural and border communities that have suffered repeated attacks by armed groups.
According to the governor, security remains the bedrock of development, noting that agriculture, commerce, investment and social progress cannot thrive in an environment plagued by fear and instability.
Aliyu added that the newly acquired armoured vehicles, tactical vehicles and motorcycles would improve rapid response, intelligence gathering, surveillance operations and troop mobility, especially in difficult terrains where criminal elements often operate.
The governor commended President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their sustained support in tackling insecurity, pledging that his administration would continue investing in initiatives that complement the Federal Government’s security efforts.
He also praised Musa for his leadership and commitment to the fight against terrorism and banditry.
In recognition of the Defence Minister’s contributions to national security, the governor inaugurated a major road in the Sokoto metropolis and named it General Christopher Musa Road.
Responding, Musa lauded the Sokoto State Government for prioritising security, describing the investment as evidence of visionary leadership and a strong commitment to protecting lives and property.
He said overcoming insecurity requires close collaboration among the federal, state and local governments, as well as active support from citizens through the provision of credible intelligence.
The Defence Minister noted that the newly commissioned security assets would improve operational effectiveness and boost the morale of troops and other security personnel deployed across Sokoto State and the wider North-West region.
He assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces remained fully committed to eliminating terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements threatening the country’s peace and stability.
The ceremony concluded with the inspection and symbolic handover of the security assets to the relevant security agencies, with stakeholders describing the intervention as a significant boost to Sokoto State’s security architecture and Nigeria’s wider campaign against insecurity.
