The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has directed security personnel to immediately engage terrorists and armed bandits without waiting for orders from superior officers, warning that hesitation in the face of attacks would no longer be tolerated.
Musa issued the directive on Tuesday in Sokoto during the commissioning of security assets procured by the Sokoto State Government as part of efforts to strengthen the fight against banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes.
The minister declared that any security operative who refused to confront criminals on the grounds of awaiting instructions would be treated as an accomplice.
“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 said.
He stressed that troops deployed to operational areas must take decisive action whenever confronted by terrorists or armed bandits, describing prompt response as critical to winning the fight against insecurity.
The directive came as Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu handed over security assets valued at N27.127 billion to security agencies operating in the state.
According to the governor, the intervention is aimed at strengthening security operations in Sokoto and the wider North-West region, where communities continue to grapple with banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.
Musa said the newly acquired armoured vehicles and tactical equipment would significantly enhance operational mobility, intelligence gathering and force protection for security personnel.
He commended Governor Aliyu for his continued support for security agencies, describing the state’s investment in security as a model of effective collaboration between federal and state authorities.
Presenting the assets, Aliyu disclosed that the procurement includes bulletproof vehicles, Buffalo Armoured Personnel Carriers, 320 motorcycles, 3,200 security gadgets, 2,000 bulletproof helmets and protective vests, 200 night-vision goggles, thermal devices and other tactical equipment.
The governor said the latest investment forms part of his administration’s sustained commitment to improving security since assuming office.
Aliyu also revealed that his administration has so far spent more than N36 billion on security interventions across the state.
He said previous investments covered the purchase 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 in the state.
While receiving the equipment, the Defence Minister urged security agencies to ensure proper use and maintenance of the assets.
“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.
He emphasised the need for accountability, noting that the substantial investment in security must translate into improved operations and greater protection for lives and property.
