The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), has directed security personnel fighting terrorism and banditry to take immediate action against armed criminals without waiting for orders from their superiors.
Speaking during the commissioning of newly acquired security assets in Sokoto State, the minister warned that any operative who refuses to engage terrorists or bandits under the excuse of awaiting instructions would be treated as an accomplice.
“Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist,” Musa 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. This is a general order.”
The directive came as the Sokoto State Government unveiled a ₦27.6 billion security intervention package, including armoured personnel carriers, tactical vehicles and 300 motorcycles to strengthen security operations across the state.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu described the investment as one of the state’s biggest security interventions, saying it would improve surveillance, intelligence gathering, rapid response and troop mobility, especially in rural and border communities affected by insecurity.
He added that peace and security remain essential for economic growth and development, pledging continued support for security agencies.
The defence minister commended the Sokoto State Government for prioritising security, saying the new assets would boost the operational capacity and morale of security personnel across Sokoto and the wider North-West region.
Musa also urged residents to support security agencies with credible intelligence, stressing that community cooperation remains critical to defeating terrorism and banditry.
Source: Federal Ministry of Defence
