The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has directed Nigerian security personnel to take immediate action against terrorists and bandits wherever they are encountered, warning that officers who fail to engage criminals under the excuse of awaiting orders would be treated as collaborators.
key Highlights:
- Christopher Musa ordered troops to confront terrorists without delay.
- He warned officers against using “waiting for orders” as an excuse.
- Sokoto commissioned ₦27.127bn security equipment and vehicles.
- Ahmed Aliyu said the state has invested heavily in security.
- Authorities urged citizens to support security efforts with intelligence.
Musa issued the directive on Wednesday in Sokoto State during the commissioning of 62 operational vehicles and security equipment valued at ₦27.127 billion, describing decisive action as critical to the country’s fight against insecurity.
“Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist,” the minister declared.
He added that any security operative who refused to confront terrorists or bandits because they were waiting for directives from superiors would be regarded as aiding criminal elements.
The Defence Minister commended Ahmed Aliyu for the state’s significant investment in security, noting that the newly acquired operational vehicles and tactical equipment would strengthen intelligence gathering, improve troop mobility and enhance ongoing operations against banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.
Musa also urged security personnel to safeguard the equipment, stressing that the assets represented a huge financial investment and must be properly maintained and effectively deployed.
While charging troops to remain committed to their constitutional responsibilities, he emphasised the need for professionalism, urging them to protect law-abiding citizens and avoid acts of harassment, intimidation or extortion during operations.
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Speaking at the event, Governor Aliyu disclosed that the state government procured bulletproof vehicles, Buffalo Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), 320 motorcycles, 3,200 security gadgets, 2,000 bulletproof helmets and protective vests, as well as night-vision goggles, thermal devices and other tactical equipment at a total cost of ₦27.127 billion.
The governor revealed that his administration has invested more than ₦36 billion in security interventions since assuming office and is pursuing legislation to impose stiffer penalties on informants who aid bandits and other criminal groups.
He also appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence, stressing that tackling insecurity requires the collective efforts of both government and the public.
