By Adekunle Oluwafunmilayo
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has directed security personnel to immediately neutralize bandits and terrorists upon deployment. He warned that any operative who hesitates or waits for administrative approval before engaging active threats will be treated as a saboteur.
The Minister gave the directive on Wednesday in Sokoto State during the commissioning of 62 operational vehicles—including armored assets—and over 300 motorcycles. The security equipment, valued at approximately ₦27.7 billion, was procured by the Sokoto State Government to strengthen local security operations.
Addressing the deployed troops, General Musa emphasized the need for immediate, decisive action within the rules of engagement, warning against costly delays on the battlefield.
“Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist," Musa stated. "I want to make that very loud and clear—anybody who refuses to shoot or kill a terrorist in the name of waiting for an order, we will treat you like a bandit.”
While demanding aggressive action against criminals, the Minister strictly cautioned security personnel against the harassment or extortion of civilians, stressing that their primary mandate is to protect law-abiding citizens. He urged the troops to demonstrate the highest levels of professionalism, discipline, and accountability.
General Musa also issued a stern warning regarding the upkeep of the newly acquired logistics.
“These equipment cost billions of naira that could have been used for other aspects but have been dedicated to this," he noted. "So, I want to charge you that you must maintain this equipment very well. We will come back after a year to see how they are doing.”
The Minister described the procurement as a major boost that will enhance the mobility and operational effectiveness of security agencies responding to banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and other violent crimes across the state.
He noted that because Nigeria's security challenges are constantly evolving—with criminal elements frequently changing tactics and exploiting difficult terrain—the response of the military must similarly evolve through superior mobility, intelligence-led operations, and seamless coordination.
In his remarks, the Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu, confirmed that the state government invested the ₦27.7 billion in vehicles and advanced security gadgets as part of an unyielding commitment to eliminating insecurity and restoring peace across Sokoto
