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The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has directed security personnel to immediately engage armed bandits and terrorists, warning that operatives who fail to neutralise criminals while claiming they are awaiting orders would be treated as collaborators.
Musa gave the directive on Wednesday in Sokoto State during the commissioning of 62 operational vehicles and security equipment worth ₦27.127 billion procured by the state government to strengthen security operations.
“Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist,” the minister 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.”
He described the procurement of the security assets as a demonstration of strategic leadership and commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for his consistent support to security agencies through the provision of logistics and operational equipment.
According to Musa, the intervention reflects responsible governance and a collective commitment to strengthening the security architecture of Sokoto State and Nigeria.
The minister, who described himself as “a proud son of Sokoto,” said the state has remained one of the most peaceful in the country because of the cooperation among the government, security agencies and residents.
He said the newly commissioned armoured vehicles and tactical equipment would improve operational mobility, intelligence gathering and force protection in the fight against banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.
Musa also urged security personnel to properly maintain the equipment and ensure it is used for its intended purpose.
“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 further cautioned officers against abusing civilians, stressing that their responsibility is to protect lives and work with communities to eliminate 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 Ahmed Aliyu said the procurement formed part of his administration’s sustained investment in strengthening security across Sokoto State.
He said the state acquired bulletproof vehicles, Buffalo Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), 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 ₦27.127 billion,” the governor said.
Aliyu disclosed that his administration has spent more than ₦36 billion on security interventions since taking office, including the provision 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 a bill seeking stiffer penalties for informants aiding bandits has been forwarded to the State House of Assembly.
According to the governor, the proposed legislation will be signed into law immediately after its passage.
Aliyu further announced the approval of a Command and Control Centre to improve surveillance and coordination of security operations across the state.
He appealed to residents to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies, stressing that tackling insecurity requires the collective efforts of government and citizens.
“Security is a collective responsibility and together we shall overcome every security challenge confronting our state,” he said.
