The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), on Wednesday directed security personnel to confront bandits and terrorists without waiting for further authorisation, warning that any operative who fails to engage criminals under the guise of awaiting orders would be treated as an accomplice.
Musa gave the directive in Sokoto during the inauguration of 62 operational vehicles and security equipment worth ₦27.127bn procured by the Sokoto State Government to strengthen security operations across the state.
“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 said.
He described the state government’s intervention as a demonstration of strategic leadership and commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for consistently providing security agencies with logistics and operational support.
“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.
Describing himself as “a proud son of Sokoto,” Musa said the state remained one of the most peaceful in the country because of the collaboration among the government, security agencies and residents.
He said the newly commissioned armoured vehicles and tactical equipment would enhance operational mobility, intelligence gathering and force protection in the fight against banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.
The minister also cautioned 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.
Musa urged officers to remain professional and protect law-abiding 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 Aliyu said the latest procurement was part of his administration’s sustained investment in strengthening security since assuming office.
He listed the acquisitions to include 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 ₦27.127bn,” the governor said.
Aliyu disclosed that his administration had previously invested more than ₦36bn in security interventions, including the procurement of operational vehicles and motorcycles, the construction of military and police barracks, the establishment of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps and support for the Nigerian Air Force Base.
He also revealed that the state government had forwarded a bill to the House of Assembly seeking stiffer penalties for informants aiding bandits.
“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.
According to the governor, the government has also approved the establishment of a command and control centre to improve surveillance and coordination of security operations across the state.
Aliyu appealed to residents to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies, stressing that tackling banditry requires the support of all stakeholders.
“Security is a collective responsibility, and together we shall overcome every security challenge confronting our state,” he said.
