By Peace Udugba
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has directed security personnel to immediately engage and neutralise armed bandits and terrorists without waiting for orders from superior officers.
Musa gave the directive on Wednesday in Sokoto State while commissioning 62 operational vehicles and security equipment worth ₦27.127 billion, procured by the Sokoto State Government to strengthen security operations across the state.
Addressing security operatives, the minister warned that any officer who fails to act against terrorists under the excuse of awaiting instructions would be regarded as aiding criminals.
“Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist,” he 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.”
Musa described the security investment by the Sokoto State Government as a demonstration of strategic leadership and commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for providing logistics and operational support to security agencies.
“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 defence minister, who described himself as “a proud son of Sokoto,” also praised the state’s collaborative approach to security, noting that the partnership between the government, security agencies and residents had helped maintain relative peace in the state.
