The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has directed military personnel and other security operatives to take immediate action against terrorists and armed bandits without waiting for authorisation from superior officers, warning that any operative who fails to engage criminals under the guise of awaiting orders would be regarded as working with them.
Musa gave the directive on Wednesday in Sokoto during the inauguration of 62 operational vehicles and other security assets valued at ₦27.127 billion, procured by the Sokoto State Government to boost ongoing security operations.
Addressing security personnel at the event, the minister urged them to 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,” the minister declared.
He warned that hesitation in confronting criminal elements would not be tolerated.
“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.”
Commending the Sokoto State Government for investing heavily in security, Musa described the procurement of the vehicles and tactical equipment as evidence of visionary leadership and a commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
“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,” the minister noted that the state had remained relatively peaceful because of the close collaboration between the government, security agencies and members of the public.
He expressed confidence that the newly commissioned armoured vehicles and other operational equipment would significantly improve troop mobility, intelligence gathering and the overall effectiveness of security operations against banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.
Musa, however, cautioned personnel against the misuse or poor maintenance 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 encouraging security operatives to remain resolute in the fight against criminality, the minister reminded them that their responsibility was to protect law-abiding citizens and not to intimidate or exploit them.
“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 latest security investment was part of his administration’s sustained efforts to strengthen the state’s capacity to tackle insecurity since assuming office.
According to the governor, the procurement includes 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 imaging devices and other operational 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,” Aliyu said.
He disclosed that his administration had already invested more than ₦36 billion in security initiatives, including the purchase 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 in the state.
The governor also revealed that a bill proposing tougher penalties for individuals who provide information or assistance to bandits had been transmitted to the Sokoto 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.
Aliyu further announced that the government had approved the establishment of a Command and Control Centre aimed at improving surveillance, intelligence sharing and coordination of security operations across the state.
He appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence, stressing that the fight against banditry requires the active participation of all stakeholders.
“Security is a collective responsibility and together we shall overcome every security challenge confronting our state,” the governor said.
(Ripples)