The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), on Wednesday directed security personnel across the country not to hesitate in engaging armed bandits and terrorists, warning that any operative who fails to neutralise criminals under the pretext of awaiting orders would be treated as collaborating with them.
Musa gave the directive in Sokoto during the commissioning of 62 operational vehicles and security equipment valued at ₦27.127 billion, procured by the Sokoto State Government to strengthen security operations.
“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.”
Describing the commissioning as more than the unveiling of security assets, Musa said the intervention reflected strategic leadership and a collective commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.
“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 commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for consistently supporting security agencies with logistics and operational equipment, describing the investments as critical to ongoing efforts to combat banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.
Musa, who described himself as “a proud son of Sokoto,” said the state had remained relatively peaceful due to effective collaboration between the government, security agencies and local communities.
He noted that the newly commissioned armoured vehicles and tactical equipment would enhance operational mobility, intelligence gathering and force protection for security personnel.
The minister, however, cautioned officers against mishandling 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.
He also urged security operatives to maintain professionalism and respect the rights of law-abiding citizens while carrying out operations.
“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,” Musa added.
Earlier, Governor Ahmed Aliyu said the latest procurement formed part of his administration’s sustained investment in improving security across Sokoto State.
According to the governor, the state acquired bulletproof vehicles, Buffalo Armoured 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.
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“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.
The governor disclosed that his administration had already spent over ₦36 billion on security interventions since assuming office, including the construction of military and police barracks, procurement of operational vehicles and motorcycles, establishment of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps and support for the Nigerian Air Force Base.
Aliyu also revealed that a bill seeking stiffer penalties for informants aiding bandits had been forwarded 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.
He further announced the approval of a Command and Control Centre to improve surveillance, intelligence sharing and coordination of security operations across the state.
The governor appealed to residents to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies, stressing that tackling insecurity requires collective action.
“Security is a collective responsibility and together we shall overcome every security challenge confronting our state,” he said.
