The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has directed security personnel across the country to take immediate action against armed bandits and terrorists, warning that any operative who fails to neutralise criminals under the guise of waiting for orders would be regarded as collaborating with them.
The minister issued the directive on Wednesday in Sokoto during the commissioning of 62 operational vehicles and security equipment valued at ₦27.127 billion, procured by the Sokoto State Government to strengthen security operations across the state.
Addressing security personnel at the event, Musa stressed that troops deployed to combat insecurity must act decisively whenever they encounter terrorists or bandits.
“Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist,” he declared.
“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 Defence Minister described the state’s investment in security as a reflection of strategic leadership and responsible governance, commending Governor Ahmed Aliyu for consistently supporting security agencies with logistics and operational assets.
“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.
Musa, who described himself as “a proud son of Sokoto,” noted that the state had remained among the most peaceful in Nigeria due to the strong collaboration between the government, security agencies and residents.
He said the newly commissioned armoured vehicles and tactical equipment would significantly enhance operational mobility, intelligence gathering and force protection in the ongoing fight against banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.
The minister, however, cautioned security personnel against mismanaging the equipment, reminding them that the assets were procured at enormous cost to taxpayers.
“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 also urged officers to maintain professionalism by protecting innocent citizens while dealing decisively with 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 formed part of his administration’s sustained investment in strengthening security across the state since assuming office.
According to him, the newly acquired assets include bulletproof vehicles, Buffalo Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), 320 motorcycles, 3,200 security gadgets, 2,000 bulletproof helmets and protective 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 disclosed that his administration had already spent over ₦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 seeking tougher 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 for the establishment of a Command and Control Centre aimed at improving 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 active cooperation of government, security agencies and the public.
“Security is a collective responsibility and together we shall overcome every security challenge confronting our state,” the governor said.
