Defence minister orders troops to shoot bandits on sight

…warns hesitant operatives risk being treated as criminals

Christopher Musa, minister of defence, has ordered security personnel deployed to combat banditry and terrorism to take immediate action against armed criminals.

He warned that any operative who fails to engage bandits or terrorists under the guise of awaiting orders would be regarded as an accomplice.

Musa issued the directive on Wednesday in Sokoto during the commissioning of 62 operational vehicles and security equipment valued at N27.127 billion, procured by the Sokoto State government to strengthen security operations across the state.

Addressing troops and other security personnel, the defence minister stressed that operatives already deployed to conflict zones have the authority to confront armed criminals without waiting for further directives.

“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,” Musa said.

His remarks come amid renewed efforts by the federal government to intensify military operations against armed bandits and terrorist groups operating across the North-West and other parts of the country.

Musa described the commissioning of the security assets as more than the unveiling of equipment, saying it reflected strategic leadership and a shared commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.

“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.

The minister commended Ahmed Aliyu, the governor, for sustaining logistical support to security agencies, describing the governor’s investment in security as a model worthy of emulation.

Identifying himself as “a proud son of Sokoto”, Musa said the state had remained relatively peaceful because of strong collaboration among the government, security agencies and local communities.

He noted that the newly commissioned armoured vehicles and tactical equipment would enhance operational mobility, intelligence gathering and force protection in the ongoing campaign against banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.

The defence minister also urged security agencies to ensure proper maintenance and effective deployment of the newly acquired 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,” he said.

While calling for decisive action against criminal groups, Musa reminded security personnel to uphold professionalism and respect the rights of law-abiding citizens.

“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, Aliyu said the latest procurement formed part of his administration’s sustained investment in improving security since assuming office.

According to him, the state purchased 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 N27.127 billion,” the governor said.

Aliyu disclosed that his administration had already committed more than N36 billion to security interventions, including the construction of military and police barracks, procurement of operational vehicles and motorcycles, establishment of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps and support for the Nigerian Air Force Base in the state.

The governor also revealed that his administration had transmitted a bill to the Sokoto State House of Assembly seeking tougher penalties for informants who aid bandits and other criminal elements.

“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 aimed at strengthening surveillance, intelligence sharing and coordination of security operations across Sokoto.

Aliyu appealed to residents to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies, stressing that defeating insecurity requires active collaboration between the government, security forces and the public.

“Security is a collective responsibility, and together we shall overcome every security challenge confronting our state,” he said.