The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has directed security personnel to take immediate action against bandits and terrorists, warning that any operative who hesitates to engage criminals while claiming to be awaiting orders would be regarded as an accomplice.
Musa issued the warning on Wednesday in Sokoto during the commissioning of 62 operational vehicles and other security equipment valued at ₦27.127 billion, procured by the Sokoto State Government to enhance security operations across the state.
Addressing security personnel at the event, the minister urged troops to act decisively whenever they encounter armed criminals.
“Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist,” Musa said.
He added, “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.”
Musa described the state’s investment in security assets as a reflection of strong leadership and a commitment to tackling insecurity.
“This event is not merely the unveiling of security assets. It is a demonstration of strategic leadership, responsible governance and our collective determination to strengthen the security architecture of Sokoto State and Nigeria as a whole,” he said.
The defence minister commended Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu for providing operational support to security agencies, noting that the newly acquired armoured vehicles and tactical equipment would improve mobility, intelligence gathering and force protection in the ongoing fight against banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.
He also cautioned officers against misusing or neglecting the equipment, stressing that the assets must be properly maintained to achieve their intended purpose.
“This equipment costs billions of naira. We don’t want to hand them over and then you throw them away or mishandle them. They must serve the purpose for which they were procured,” Musa said.
While calling for professionalism among security personnel, the minister reminded troops that their responsibility extends beyond confronting criminals to safeguarding law-abiding citizens.
“You are not to go there and extort or harass the people. You are there to protect them and work with them to eliminate bandits and terrorists operating within your area,” he added.
