The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), has directed security personnel engaged in counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations to take immediate action against armed criminals, warning that officers who fail to engage terrorists or bandits under the guise of awaiting orders would be treated as collaborators.
Musa gave the directive on Wednesday in Sokoto during the commissioning of security assets procured by the Sokoto State Government to strengthen operations against insecurity.
"Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist," the minister said.
He added:
"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. This is a general order."
The minister spoke as the Sokoto State Government unveiled a **N27.6 billion** security intervention package comprising armoured personnel carriers, tactical vehicles and 300 motorcycles to enhance security operations across the state.
The assets were commissioned at the Giginya Memorial Stadium in the presence of senior military officers, security chiefs, traditional rulers, government officials and residents.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu described the procurement as one of the state's biggest investments in security, saying it was aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of security agencies in tackling terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
According to the governor, the intervention forms part of his administration's strategy to restore peace, particularly in border communities and rural areas affected by insecurity.
Aliyu said the newly acquired armoured vehicles and motorcycles would improve rapid response, intelligence gathering, surveillance and troop mobility, especially in difficult terrain.
He reiterated that security remains essential for economic growth and development, noting that agriculture, commerce and investment cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear.
The governor thanked President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their support in addressing insecurity, pledging that the state would continue to invest in measures that complement federal security efforts.
Aliyu also commended the defence minister for his leadership in the fight against terrorism and banditry. In recognition of his contributions, the state inaugurated a major road in the Sokoto metropolis and named it General Christopher Musa Road.
Responding, Musa described the state's investment in security as a demonstration of commitment to protecting lives and property.
He said addressing insecurity requires collaboration among the federal, state and local governments, alongside support from citizens through credible intelligence.
"The fight against insecurity requires all of us to work together. Community participation and timely intelligence remain critical to defeating criminal elements," he said.
The minister expressed confidence that the newly commissioned security assets would enhance operational effectiveness and improve the morale of personnel deployed across Sokoto State and the wider North-West.
He also assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces would remain committed to eliminating criminal groups and restoring lasting peace across the country.
The ceremony concluded with the inspection and symbolic handover of the security assets to the relevant security agencies.
