The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has ordered security personnel to immediately engage armed bandits and terrorists wherever they are encountered, warning that any operative who fails to act under the pretext of awaiting orders would be regarded as working with the criminals.
Musa issued the directive on Wednesday in Sokoto while commissioning 62 operational vehicles and other security equipment worth ₦27.127 billion procured by the Sokoto State Government to strengthen security operations across the state.
“Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist,” the Minister declared. “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 vehicles and equipment as a clear demonstration of strategic leadership and commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for consistently supporting security agencies with logistics and operational resources.
“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,” Musa said the state remained one of the most peaceful in the country because of the collaboration between the government, security agencies and residents.
He said the newly acquired armored vehicles and tactical equipment would improve operational mobility, intelligence gathering, and force protection in the fight against banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping.
The Minister, however, cautioned security personnel against misusing or neglecting the equipment.
“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.
Musa also urged officers to remain professional in carrying out their duties, stressing that innocent citizens must be protected while criminals are decisively dealt with.
“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 procurement was part of his administration’s sustained investment in strengthening security across the state.
According to him, the government acquired bulletproof vehicles, Buffalo Armored 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 had already spent more than ₦36 billion on security interventions, including the procurement 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.
The Governor also revealed that a bill seeking stiffer penalties for informants aiding bandits had been forwarded to the 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.
He further announced the approval of a Command-and-Control Center to strengthen surveillance and improve coordination of security operations across the state.
Aliyu appealed to residents to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies, saying the fight against banditry requires the cooperation of the government, security agencies, and the public.
“Security is a collective responsibility and together we shall overcome every security challenge confronting our state,” he said.
