Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa, has directed security personnel to take immediate action against bandits and terrorists, warning that any operative who fails to engage criminals under the guise of waiting for orders would be regarded as working with them.
Musa issued the directive on Wednesday in Sokoto during the commissioning of 62 operational vehicles and security equipment valued at N27.127 billion, acquired by the Sokoto State Government to strengthen security operations.
“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,” the minister declared.
Commending Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu, Musa said the investment reflects purposeful leadership and a strong commitment to supporting security agencies with the resources needed to combat 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, who described himself as “a proud son of Sokoto,” attributed the state’s relative peace to the cooperation between government authorities, security agencies and residents.
He said the newly commissioned armoured vehicles and tactical equipment would significantly enhance troop mobility, intelligence gathering and force protection in the fight against banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.
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Musa also warned security personnel against mishandling the equipment.
“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,” he said.
He further reminded officers to carry out their duties professionally and avoid abusing members of the public.
“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.
Earlier, Governor Ahmed Aliyu said the latest procurement is part of his administration’s continued investment in tackling insecurity across the state.
According to him, the state purchased bulletproof vehicles, Buffalo Armoured Personnel Carriers, 320 motorcycles, 3,200 security gadgets, 2,000 bulletproof helmets and vests, 200 night-vision goggles, thermal devices and other tactical equipment.
“In all, we are distributing 62 vehicles and the security equipment highlighted above. These vehicles and security equipment cost the Sokoto State Government N27.127bn,” the governor said.
Aliyu disclosed that his administration has already invested more than N36 billion in various security initiatives, including the provision of operational vehicles, motorcycles, military and police barracks, the establishment of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps and support for the Nigerian Air Force Base.
The governor also revealed that a bill proposing tougher sanctions for informants working with bandits has been forwarded to the Sokoto State House of Assembly.
“The bill is currently before the state House of Assembly, and once it is passed, we will sign it without any further delay,” he said.
He further announced plans to establish a command and control centre to improve surveillance and coordination of security operations across the state.
Appealing to residents to continue sharing credible intelligence with security agencies, Aliyu stressed that lasting peace can only be achieved through collective efforts.
“Security is a collective responsibility, and together we shall overcome every security challenge confronting our state,” he said.