The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has directed security personnel to take immediate action against terrorists and armed bandits, warning that any operative who fails to engage criminals under the pretext of awaiting orders would be regarded as collaborating with them.
Musa gave the directive on Wednesday in Sokoto State while commissioning 62 operational vehicles and security equipment worth ₦27.127 billion procured by the Sokoto State Government to bolster security operations.
“Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist,” the minister 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.”
He described the intervention as a reflection of strategic leadership and commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for consistently supporting security agencies with operational logistics and equipment.
“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,” Musa said.
Describing himself as “a proud son of Sokoto,” the minister attributed the state’s relative peace to strong collaboration among the government, security agencies and residents.
He noted that the newly commissioned armoured vehicles and tactical equipment would improve operational mobility, intelligence gathering and force protection in the fight against banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.
Musa also urged security personnel to handle the equipment responsibly.
“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 remain professional by protecting innocent citizens while taking decisive action against criminal elements.
“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 was part of his administration’s sustained investment in improving security since assuming office.
He disclosed that the state acquired bulletproof vehicles, Buffalo Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), 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 ₦27.127 billion,” the governor said.
Aliyu added that his administration had already spent more than ₦36 billion on security interventions, including the procurement of operational vehicles and motorcycles, construction of military and police barracks, establishment of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps, and support for the Nigerian Air Force Base.
The governor also revealed that a bill proposing stiffer penalties for informants aiding bandits had been forwarded to the 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 the approval of a Command and Control Centre to strengthen surveillance and coordination of security operations across the state.
Aliyu appealed to residents to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies, stressing that defeating banditry requires the collective efforts of both government and citizens.
“Security is a collective responsibility and together we shall overcome every security challenge confronting our state,” he said.
