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Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), has directed security personnel fighting terrorism and banditry to engage armed criminals immediately without waiting for further instructions, warning that any operative who hesitates in the line of duty would be regarded as aiding the enemy.
Musa gave the directive on Wednesday in Sokoto during the commissioning of security assets procured by the Sokoto State Government. The event also featured the unveiling of a ₦27.6 billion security intervention package aimed at strengthening operations against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.
Addressing troops, the Defence Minister stressed that security personnel must act decisively whenever they confront terrorists or bandits.
“Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist,” he said.
“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.”
The newly commissioned assets include armoured personnel carriers, tactical vehicles and 300 motorcycles expected to improve surveillance, intelligence gathering, rapid response and troop mobility across vulnerable communities.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu described the procurement as one of the state’s largest investments in security, saying it would significantly enhance the operational capacity of security agencies and reinforce efforts to safeguard lives and property.
He said security remains the bedrock of economic growth and sustainable development, adding that the state would continue to invest in initiatives that complement the Federal Government’s efforts to restore peace.
Aliyu also commended President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their continued support in tackling insecurity. He further honoured the Defence Minister by naming a major road in Sokoto metropolis General Christopher Musa Road.
Responding, Musa praised the Sokoto State Government for prioritising security, saying the investment demonstrated strong leadership and commitment to public safety. He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence, assuring Nigerians that the Armed Forces remain committed to defeating criminal groups and restoring lasting peace across the country.
