The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), has directed security personnel deployed to combat terrorism and banditry to immediately engage and neutralise armed criminals without waiting for further authorisation.
The Defence Minister gave the directive on Wednesday during the commissioning of 62 operational vehicles and other security equipment worth ₦27.1 billion procured by the Sokoto State Government to strengthen security operations across the state.
Addressing troops and other security personnel at the event, Musa said operational commanders and personnel must act decisively against terrorists and bandits whenever they encounter them.
He warned that any operative who hesitates to engage armed criminals on the grounds of awaiting orders would face serious consequences.
“Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody before you shoot any bandit or any terrorist,” the minister said.
“I want to make that very loud and clear. 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.”
The minister said the Federal Government remains committed to strengthening the operational capabilities of the nation’s security agencies in the fight against insecurity.
He commended the Sokoto State Government for investing in modern security equipment to support ongoing military and security operations aimed at tackling banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes in the state.
Musa also urged personnel assigned to operate the newly commissioned vehicles and equipment to ensure they are properly maintained to guarantee long-term operational effectiveness.
“It is important for those who will handle this equipment to understand that these assets cost billions of naira—resources that could have been deployed to other sectors but were instead invested in improving security,” he said.
“I charge you to maintain this equipment very well. We will return after one year to assess how these assets have been utilised and maintained.”
The security assets commissioned by the minister comprise 62 operational vehicles and other equipment valued at ₦27.1 billion, acquired by the Sokoto State Government to enhance the capacity of security agencies in responding to security threats across the state.
The procurement forms part of the state government’s efforts to strengthen collaboration with the Armed Forces and other security agencies in addressing banditry, terrorism and related criminal activities in the North-West region.
